Perceptual decision making for baseball pitch recognition: Using P300 latency and amplitude to index attentional processing

This study was designed to examine the perceptual and attentional processes associated with the effects of administrating a cost-benefit precuing para digm to intermediate and advance-level baseball batters. Psychophysiologica l and performance data obtained from 10 advanced and 10 intermediate-level players were completed. A total of 400 pitches (200 fastballs, 200 curvebal ls) was randomly presented via a large projection screen, and participants pressed one of two buttons to indicate the type of pitch thrown. Verbal pre cues were given for 300 of the pitches. Of those, 75% were valid, and 25% w ere invalid. Electroencephalographic data collected from the P-z location w as used to assess the latency and amplitude of P300. Analysis of variance ( Skill Level x Precue x Pitch) for P300 and reaction time (RT) indicated tha t intermediate batters produced shorter P300 latencies, larger P300 amplitu des, longer RTs, and less correct responses than the advanced batters; the effects were more pronounced for the curveballs. These results suggest that intermediate batters are less in their perceptual decision-making due to g reater limitations in attentional capacity when compared with advanced batt ers.