Gordon Logan

Definition

Gordon Logan is a prominent figure in the field of cognitive psychology and motor learning, best known for his contributions to the understanding of motor control and the development of motor skills. His research has significantly influenced theories around how individuals learn and execute movements, particularly through concepts like schema theory, feedback mechanisms, and motor program theory, which highlight the processes of planning, executing, and refining motor tasks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Logan's work on schema theory emphasizes how individuals develop generalized motor programs based on previous experiences, leading to better adaptability in different contexts.
2. He proposed that feedback plays a critical role in refining motor skills, with both intrinsic and extrinsic feedback influencing how effectively a person learns a skill.
3. Logan's research highlights the importance of practice variability, suggesting that varying conditions during practice can lead to more robust skill acquisition.
4. His studies support the idea that individuals rely on cognitive processes to plan and execute movements, indicating a strong connection between motor control and cognitive functions.
5. Gordon Logan's findings have practical implications in fields like sports training and rehabilitation, informing methods for teaching motor skills more effectively.

Review Questions

• How does Gordon Logan's schema theory explain the way individuals adapt their motor skills across different contexts?
  • Gordon Logan's schema theory suggests that individuals form abstract representations of movements based on their past experiences. These 'schemas' enable them to adapt their motor skills by recalling relevant information from similar tasks when faced with new challenges. This means that as a person practices various contexts of a skill, they can modify their performance dynamically, enhancing their overall adaptability and effectiveness.
• In what ways does Logan's research on feedback contribute to our understanding of effective motor skill learning?
  • Logan's research emphasizes the dual nature of feedback—intrinsic and extrinsic—as vital components in motor skill learning. Intrinsic feedback comes from one's own sensory experiences during movement, while extrinsic feedback is provided by coaches or technology. His findings indicate that effective use of both types can lead to quicker adjustments and improvements in performance, ultimately enhancing skill acquisition. This understanding aids trainers and athletes in optimizing their practice regimens.
• Evaluate the implications of Gordon Logan's work on schema theory and feedback for modern training techniques in sports or rehabilitation settings.
  • Gordon Logan's contributions to schema theory and feedback have transformed modern training techniques by highlighting the importance of adaptability and practice variability. In sports training, this means creating diverse practice scenarios that allow athletes to develop flexible motor programs. In rehabilitation settings, his work informs strategies for personalized feedback mechanisms that cater to individual needs, enhancing recovery outcomes. By integrating these principles, practitioners can design more effective training regimens that foster skill development and enhance performance across various domains.

Related terms

Schema Theory: A theoretical framework suggesting that motor skills are governed by abstract representations or 'schemas' formed through experience, which guide movement execution.

Feedback: Information received about performance that can be intrinsic (from one's own sensory system) or extrinsic (from an outside source), crucial for learning and improving motor skills.

Motor Program: A set of pre-structured commands that define how to perform a specific movement, allowing for efficient execution and adaptation of motor tasks.