Knowledge Representation and Problem Solution in Expert and Novice Youth Baseball Players

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine differences in knowledge representation and problem solutions in expert and novice youth baseball players. Ninety-four players in two age divisions, 7-8 years of age and 9-10 years of age, were assigned to three levels of expertise: high; average; and low skilled. Each subject participated in an interview session to elicit knowledge representation and solutions to five different defensive game situations. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for content, solution to the problem, errors in problem solution, and qualitative trends. The frequency of advanced solutions to each of the five situations were analyzed in separate chi-square tests for age and expertise. Differences among the levels of expertise were found for the accuracy of solutions to three complex situations. Age was significant for only one situation. Patterns of knowledge content accessed during advanced and less advanced responses indicated both experts and novices were in a beginning stage of developing baseball knowledge structures. Errors in problem solutions indicated children had difficulty monitoring critical conditions and making correct inferences. Players' and teammates' ability to execute baseball skills seemed to influence the content and structure of tactical knowledge accessed during problem solution.

Procedural Knowledge, Decision Making and Performance in Women's Volleyball According to Age Group and Specific Experience

“…In fact, increases in body size and accumulation of practice lead to better performance of sport skills [14]. In addition, at older ages more complex skills are added, and the rules for competition become more complex [14]. As such, much more research considering other factors, namely game level, is needed to examine possible transitions in sport skill and game complexity during later childhood and adolescence.…”

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