Ecological Task Analysis: Translating Movement Behavior Theory into Practice

Abstract

A new approach to task analysis is presented based upon an ecological theory of perception and current motor development and control theories. The ecological task analysis (ETA) approach stands in sharp contrast to more traditional approaches and offers procedures equally applicable to instruction and assessment of movement performance as well as to applied research. The strengths of the ETA approach lie in (a) its grounding in current motor development and control theories, (b) its linking of the task requirements, environmental conditions, and performer characteristics, (c) its application of a functional and dynamic approach to instruction and assessment, and (d) its integration of instruction and assessment procedures. Following a discussion of the traditional approach and ecological theory, four concepts are presented that emanate from Gibson’s theory of affordances. From these concepts ETA procedures are derived. Applied research questions relating to task analysis are also implied from the ecological approach and are presented in the final section.

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“…It is important to understand the factors influencing motor skill development and how to accommodate motor skill performance by manipulating the instructional environment and equipment, and modifying the task, so that effective instruction can be provided (Newell, 1984;Davis & Burton, 1991). Several factors can influence motor skill performance, such as the time spent in practice, intensity of exercise, quality of instructions and learning method, and it is difficult to identify specific intervention components that may contribute to success (Rietmuller et al, 2009).…”

Validação de um sistema de avaliação da assimetria funcional dos membros inferiores em Futebol (SAAFMI-FUT)

“…A unanimidade de opiniões entre peritos, treinadores e jogadores relativamente à possibilidade de transferência da informação gerada pelo instrumento utilizado para o jogo formal permitiu cumprir o critério de validade ecológica (1,13,15,36,45) .…”

The Examination of Slo-pitch Hitting Movement Coordination

“…Davis & Burton [2] developed ecological task analysis based on the approach taken by Newell [1]. Ecological task analysis (ETA) uses a dynamic system approach to examine the stability and change of a performer's movement form as a result of dynamic interactions between the performer, environment and task [2,3]. In sport settings, the performer constraint is the characteristics of the performer (player) such as strength and skill levels [2][3][4].…”

“…Ecological task analysis (ETA) uses a dynamic system approach to examine the stability and change of a performer's movement form as a result of dynamic interactions between the performer, environment and task [2,3]. In sport settings, the performer constraint is the characteristics of the performer (player) such as strength and skill levels [2][3][4]. Environmental constraint is the environmental condition in which the performer performs the task.…”

“…Therefore, if one of the constraints is changed, the performer's performance outcome will be changed as well [2][3][4]. For example, if a pitcher threw an inside pitch to a batter, the batter could use an open stride to hit the ball.…”