Lab report poster
Today’s task is based on the theory that observing the motor based movements of other individuals provides a form of instruction which will improve your learning. Various theories explain this phenomena and are based on either information processing (cognitive mediation theory) or dynamic systems (dynamic view of modelling) based paradigms. This task is based on the ‘sport’ of cup –stacking which is particularly popular in the USA.
1.                 There are two phases to each trial. Up-stacking and down-stacking.
2.                 The cups should be placed in front of the person with a 3-cup, tower (cups stacked together upside down inside each other as one tower) on the person’s left, a 6- cup tower in the middle, and a 3-cup tower on the right.
3.                 When told to “go,” the person uses two hands to build a 3x6x3 cup set-up, which means building a 3-cup pyramid on the right, using the 3-cup tower on the person’s right, then a 6-cup pyramid in the middle, using the 6-cup tower, and then a 3-cup pyramid on the left, using the 3-cup tower on the person’s left (see Figure).
4.                 This first part of the task is called “up-stacking.” Then, the person begins the “down-stacking” phase of the task by reversing the procedures used for up-stacking and putting the three pyramid stacks into their original 3 “towers.” As with the “up-stacking,” begin with the left pyramid stack and move to the middle and finish with the right stack. The score for a trial is the amount of time taken to up-stack and down-stack the three stacks of cups. If errors occur during the trial, the person should correct them and continue until the cups are put into the proper arrangements for the two phases of the trial.       Â
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AIM
To demonstrate that learning a new motor skill can be facilitated by first observing another person practicing the skill.
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EQUIPMENT
Speed cup stacking set and stop watch
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PROCEDURES
1.   Students are to split into groups of three.
2.   One group member will serve as the “model” and practice the skill first.
3.   Another member will be the “observer” and observe the “model” partner physically practice the skill before beginning physical practice.
4.   The third group member will be the timer and recorder and then observer 2.
5.   The “model” performs the cup-stacking task for 12 trials (consecutively) while the “observer” watches.
6.   The person serving as the timer should record the amount of time required to up-stack and down-stack the cups correctly (nearest 0.1 sec) for each trial as the time-to-completion score for a trial, and tell this score as knowledge of results (KR) to the performer after completing each trial. i.e., the time was ___ secs.
7.   After the “model” completes the 15 trials, the “observer” performs 12 trials and so too does Observer 2.
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RESULTS
1.                 Record the time-to-completion (nearest .1 sec) for each trial for the Model and the Observer on the Individual Data Sheet below.
Trial
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Observer 1
Observer 2
Trial
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Observer 1
Observer 2
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8
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9
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10
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5
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11
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6
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12
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Rationale
To consider both the physical and cognitive processes involved in both the control and the learning of movement which are innate to a participant performing human movement tasks. The report is also important to outline the type of performance changes that may be facilitated by manipulating the learning environment.
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Task
At the completion of the chosen laboratory, students are to present their findings using a PowerPoint poster template that will be supplied by the unit coordinator. See the vUWS site.
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Criteria
You will be assessed on the following:
Introduction- Providing a clear, concise, informative, relevant statement addressing the general background, and aim/s of the task (5 marks).
Procedures- A template will be placed on the unit vUWS site that will provide specific details for the formatting of this task (5 marks).
Results – Choose an appropriate presentation style for your data (graph, table). Reference and label accordingly and present any additional data in the text of this section. Do not interpret data here. Also explain your calculation methods (10 marks).
Discussion- Interpret the results and support your comments with academic resources e.g. journal papers (10 marks).
Grammar, spelling, formatting (5 marks).
References- Correct reference list (No errors, websites, tute or lecture references), in text referencing or reference list (5 marks), must use APA style.
