Anne W. McMorris

Definition

Anne W. McMorris is a prominent researcher known for her work in the field of motor learning and control, particularly focusing on the role of attentional processes in skill acquisition and performance. Her research examines how different types of attentional focus can influence motor skills and how athletes can optimize their performance through effective attention strategies. McMorris's findings highlight the importance of understanding how attention impacts learning and executing motor tasks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anne W. McMorris's research emphasizes that attentional focus can be directed externally (toward the effect of the movement) or internally (focusing on body movements), impacting skill performance differently.
2. Her studies suggest that athletes performing under pressure benefit from external focus as it leads to better outcomes compared to an internal focus on technique.
3. McMorris has explored the effects of attentional strategies across various populations, including novice learners and elite athletes, revealing differences in how attention influences motor learning.
4. One key finding from her research is that training individuals to adopt appropriate attentional focus can enhance both learning and retention of motor skills over time.
5. McMorris's work has implications for coaching practices, suggesting that coaches should teach athletes to manage their attentional focus effectively to improve performance.

Review Questions

• How does Anne W. McMorris's research differentiate between internal and external attentional focus in the context of motor learning?
  • Anne W. McMorris's research highlights that internal attentional focus directs an athlete's attention to their own movements, while external focus directs attention to the effects of those movements on the environment. Her studies have shown that adopting an external focus can lead to improved performance outcomes compared to an internal focus. This differentiation is crucial for understanding how different types of focus can influence skill acquisition and overall motor performance.
• Discuss the implications of McMorris's findings for coaching strategies in sports training.
  • The implications of Anne W. McMorris's findings suggest that coaches should prioritize teaching athletes about attentional focus. By encouraging external focus on the effects of their actions rather than internal mechanics, athletes may achieve better performance outcomes, especially under pressure. This approach can guide coaching practices, helping trainers design drills and feedback mechanisms that enhance athletes' attentional strategies for skill acquisition.
• Evaluate how McMorris's research contributes to our understanding of attention's role in enhancing motor skill learning across different populations.
  • Anne W. McMorris's research significantly contributes to our understanding of how attention affects motor skill learning by demonstrating its influence on both novice learners and elite athletes. By analyzing various populations, her work reveals that different levels of expertise may require tailored attentional strategies to optimize performance. This nuanced understanding allows for the development of more effective training programs that account for individual differences in attentional processing, ultimately leading to enhanced motor skill acquisition and execution.

Related terms

Attentional Focus:

The process of directing cognitive resources toward specific stimuli or tasks, which can enhance learning and performance in motor skills.

Skill Acquisition:

The process of learning a new motor skill, which involves practice, feedback, and the development of coordination and timing.

Motor Performance: The execution of a motor task or skill, reflecting the effectiveness of motor learning and the integration of sensory information.