Lab 1 Abilities
Statement of the Problem
The purpose of this laboratory experiment is to develop a better understanding of the role of motor abilities in skilled performance.
Reference
Chapter 1
Materials Needed
• Set of speed stacks
• Stop watch
• Instructions for sport stacking: www.speedstacks.com/about/learn_how.php
• Rules: https://www.thewssa.com/docs/rules_rules.pdf
• Individual Information Form
• Individual Data Sheet
Procedure
The objective of this task is to complete the 3-3-3 stack as quickly as possible.
Preparation
Watch 10 yr. old William Polly’s 1.68 second Cup Stacking (3-3-3) World Record performance video on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMA2DXAvECo.
Next, use Table 1.2 in Chapter 1 (p. 19) to determine which of Fleishman’s motor abilities would be needed to become highly proficient at speed stacking. Rate yourself on the abilities you have identified—with 1 being not proficient and 5 completely proficient—by circling the corresponding number on the Personal Rating section of the Individual Information Form.
Training Phase
Complete 10 practice trials stacking three cups up and down (see www.speedstacks.com/about/learn_how.php for instructions).
Trials
Following the practice trials, divide into pairs to complete 8 timed trials of the 3-3-3 stack. The goal is to complete the two 3-3-3 stacks as quickly as possible. You will take turns in the role of experimenter and participant. The experimenter will start the trial by issuing the commands “Ready, set, go” and record the participant’s time using the individual data sheet provided. Following the completion of 8 trials, switch roles and record the results on a new data sheet.
Results
1. Compute the total time used by adding the times from trials 1 through 8 for each participant and record the result on the Individual Data Sheet.
2. Calculate the mean time for each participant by dividing the total time by the number of trials (8).
Discussion
1. Based on the comparison of mean times and personal rankings of each participant, would you conclude that a relationship exists between abilities and skill performance? Explain your answer in detail.
2. Discuss what factors, if any, may have influenced the results.