Qualitative AnalysisDefinition Systematic observation & introspective judgment of the quality of human movement for the purpose of providing the most appropriate intervention to improve performance (Knudson & Morrison, 1996) OBSERVATION: process of gathering, organizing, & giving meaning to sensory information about human motor performance(perception) INTERVENTION: Administration of feedback, corrections, or other change in the environment to improve performanceAttempt to catch a fly ball What is the most appropriate intervention for this individual?Role of Models Comprehensive Deal with the big picture of QA Provide information on movement goals, preparation, stages of motor development, evaluation, & appropriate feedback Observational Focused on the task of observation within QA Fit into comprehensive modelsKnudson & Morrison 4 Tasks of an Integrated Qualitative Analysis Preparation Observation Evaluation & Diagnosis InterventionSTEP 1: Preparation “The gathering of knowledge of the activity & performers.” Detailed prerequisite knowledge of/to:z Activityz Performersz Effective instructionz Develop a systematic observational strategyKnowledge of Activity If the goal of a sport or skill can be precisely defined, then the technique factors that lead to success in that skill can be more clearly identified for qualitative analysis Sources of Information: (1) Experience (2) Expert opinion (3) Scientific research Terminology – classify based on fundamental movements Critical Features – key features of a movement that are necessary for optimal performance Common Errors (of skill)Knowledge of Performers Extensive background knowledge Ability: genetics, ability, experience, training Limitations of performer Basis for equipment & facility modifications that speed up the development of correct technique Current working knowledge of motor development, exercise physiologyKnowledge of Effective Instruction Presenting appropriate information Translating critical features into teaching cues A cue phase describes critical feature in behavioral terms – precise/accurate/appropriate Effective presentation of information Effective teaching / coachingz Good demonstration, explanation, directionKnowledge to Develop a Systematic Obs. Strategy SOS: plan to gather relevant information about a movement Locate information related to the movements to be observed & identify most appropriate SOSSTEP 2: Observation Key Elements: Focus of observation Situation for observation Vantage points for observation Number of observations Extended observation Integrated use of all sensesFocus of Observation Observation by phases of the movement Observe crit feat in normal order of skill Observation of balance – base of support Observation based on importance Ranking importance of critical features Observation from general to specific Look at whole firstSituation for Observation Exact nature of the movement task & the environment should be controlled as much as possible by the analyst Task performance must be as realistic as possible for an effective QA Open vs. Closed skillsVantage Points Specify optimal positions for observations Often @ right angles to plane of movement Usually need several vantage points Distance – vision Should be as large as possible while still allowing for observation of important details 5 – 10 metersNumber of Observations Movement must be repeated because of analyst’s perceptual limitations & because the consistency of correct or incorrect technique Observe multiple trials systematically before deciding on an interventionExtended Observation Plan for gathering more information on a movement than is usually observable Videotape, using multiple senses, using multiple observers Use if a critical feature is difficult to seeSTEP 3: Evaluation/Diagnosis EVALUATION: Process Difficultiesz Performance Variabilityz Kinds of Movement Errors (biomech/physio/perc)z Critical Features Versus Ideal Formz Analyst Bias DIAGNOSIS: Prioritizing Interventionz Relationship to previous actionsz Maximizing improvementz In order of difficultyz Correct sequencez Base of supportz Critical features firstSTEP 4: Intervention Feedback Visual Models Exaggeration or Overcompensation Modifying the Task or Practice Manual & Mechanical Guidance ConditioningFeedback Functions of feedback: Guidance – information provided Reinforcement – Thorndike’s law of effect Motivation – to practice Classifications of feedback:KR - outcomeKP – movement processPrinciples for Providing Augmented Feedback Don’t give too much feedback Be specific Don’t delay feedback Keep it positive Provide frequent feedback (novices) Use cue words or phases Use a variety of approachesModifying the Task or Practice Practice environment Open / Closed Practice equipment Match to performer Practice scheduling Massed / Distributed scheduling Blocked /