Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition

Abstract

Directing our focus of attention appropriately during task execution can benefit outcome performance, cognitive efficiency, and physiological efficiency. For instance, individuals may benefit from adopting an external focus of attention (i.e., by focusing attention on the effects of one's movements on the environment) over an internal focus of attention (e.g., focusing on one's body movements). However, accounts concerning the theoretical functioning of such effects have primarily relied on hierarchical information processing perspectives; far less consideration has been given to potentially alternative explanations based on ecological dynamics, instances where an internal focus may be desirable over an external focus, and the associated applied implications. Within the present review, we: (a) outline the most recent developments in attentional focus research; (b) evaluate similarities and differences between information processing and ecological dynamics explanations of the focus of attention effect; (c) provide practical recommendations; and (d) discuss future research avenues. In doing so, a case is made for an “Ecological Dynamics Account of Attentional Focus” to act as an alternative to information processing-based hypotheses.

The effect of an internal, external and holistic focus on the learning of a soccer shooting task in male children

“…A recent review paper has questioned the recommendation that an external focus always outperforms an internal focus. 36 These authors have suggested that the optimal focus may be that which is most aligned with the task goal and available sensory feedback. Supporting this viewpoint, they cite two studies that suggest an internal focus outperforms an external focus when vision is either removed or proprioception is heightened.…”

“…In considering the present results, one plausible explanation for the lack of differences between an internal and external focus in the present study is that “focusing on the part of the foot contacting the ball” (internal) and “focusing on the part of the ball being contacted” (external) are so closely coupled that it may have been difficult for participants to avoid an inadvertent partial focus on the non-assigned cue. From the viewpoint of Gottwald et al, 36 it is also possible that sensory feedback available when focusing on the foot and contacting the ball was quite similar. Previous studies with similar cues (pushing the feet forward vs. pushing the pedals forward on a Pedalo device) have also found unclear differences between an internal and external focus in a learning study with children.…”

Approaches to Teaching Medical Procedural Skills: A Scoping Review

“…1 The CLA was better at skill acquisition than mental representative methods or information processing approaches in the sports domain. 37,50,51 The review suggests that medical teaching should explore new concepts in psychomotor teaching and compare them with the traditional cognitive approach to gain benefits obtained in the sports domain.…”

Addressing complexity in motor learning: Practical strategies for teachers and coaches

“…For professionals in sports and physical education, adopting an ecological standpoint becomes pivotal in designing learning environments. They engineer these environments to provide affordances that prompt specific actions crucial for subsequent performances, strategically integrating environmental elements to stimulate desired behaviors (Avilés, Navia, Ruiz-Pérez, & Zapatero-Ayuso, 2020;Gottwald, Davies, & Owen, 2023). This design process thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, strategically identifying key environmental constraints that shape the learning landscape (Immonen, Brymer, Davids, & Jaakkola, 2022).…”