THE LEARNING OF MOTOR-SKILLS - SPORTS SCIENCE AND ERGONOMICS PERSPECTIVES

The paper describes some of the common origins of ergonomics and sport s science in the UK with particular reference to research on motor lea rning. Attention is drawn to the value of analytical methods developed by ergonomists in deriving training prescriptions and their relations hip with conventional learning theory is discussed. The cognitive revo lution, which in the last 25 years has changed the face of psychology, has also had its impact on ergonomics and basic research on motor ski lls. The role of cognitive processes in motor learning is being reasse ssed and there is a renewed interest in topics such as verbal instruct ion, imitation, imagery, and mental practice which to earlier generati ons of behavioural scientists appeared beyond the scope of scientific investigation. The paper outlines some recent research into the role o f imagery in motor learning illustrating these new approaches.