Download Motor Development: A Theoretical Model

Motor Development: A
Theoretical Model
© Gallahue, D.L., Ozmun, J.C., & Goodway, J.D. (2012). Understanding Motor
Development. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
McGraw-Hill/Irwin
© 2012 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
The processes and products of motor
development across the lifespan may be
conceptualized through use of a
Triangulated Hourglass Heuristic.
3-2

Descriptive Theories:



Focus on the typical products of development
Use: Phase/stage; developmental milestone; or
developmental task approaches to better understand
development
Explanatory Theories:


Focus on the underlying processes of development
Use: Dynamic systems and ecological approaches to
better understand development
3-3





Progresses from simple to complex
Is sequential and orderly in nature
Builds skill upon skill
Requires proficiency in basic skills prior to
using them as complex skill
Varies in rate and extent from person to person
3-4





Multifaceted
Nonlinear
Discontinuous
Transactional
Self-organizing
3-5

Inductive Approach

Fact based
 Builds conceptual framework around existing facts
 Attempts to organize and explain current knowledge

Deductive Approach

Inference based
 Integrates existing facts with empirical evidence
 Can form testable hypotheses
 Meets the empirical test of support
3-6





A theoretical model (not a complete theory)
A heuristic device (i.e. a metaphor) for
conceptualizing the products and processes of
motor development
Is descriptive (hourglass = phases & stages)
Is explanatory (inverted triangle = task,
individual & environment)
Is deductive in nature (inference based)
3-7
3-8




Reflexive Phase
 Information encoding stage
 Information decoding stage
Rudimentary Phase
 Reflex inhibition stage
 Precontrol stage
Fundamental Phase
 Initial stage
 Emerging elementary stages
 Proficient stage
Specialized Phase
 Transition stage
 Application stage
 Lifelong utilization stage
3-9
3-10

Hereditary Filter

Lifestyle Filter

Lifelong Opportunities for Learning
3-11

Motor Control Across the Lifespan

Movement Competence Across the Lifespan
3-12
Understanding the process and products of
motor development helps us describe and explain
how movement skill learning occurs; both of
which are crucial to developmentally appropriate
instruction.
3-13