Question 1

According to a dynamical systems view of motor control, skilled action occurs on the basis of action units:

Accepted Answer

A dynamical systems view of motor control believes that skilled action occurs through self-organization of action units, rather than following predetermined motor program commands or receiving commands from a control executive. Feedback is also important in adjusting and refining the action units, but the primary factor is the self-organization of the motor system.

Question 2

The dynamical systems theory indicates that skilled action is controlled by the nervous system constraining functionally specific collectives of muscles and joints, which are known as:

Accepted Answer

The dynamical systems theory proposes that skilled actions are controlled by the nervous system constraining functionally specific collectives of muscles and joints, which are also known as coordinative structures.

Question 3

An important coordination-related problem that a theory of motor control must provide a solution for is the ________ problem.

Accepted Answer

degrees of freedom

Question 4

The degrees of freedom problem, which the nervous system must solve so that a person can achieve the action goal of a complex motor skill, involves determining:

Accepted Answer

The degrees of freedom problem is the challenge of organizing the muscles, limbs, and joints of the body to achieve a complex motor skill. This involves determining how to effectively coordinate and control the movements of multiple body parts in order to reach the desired action goal. Choice A is not directly related to the degrees of freedom problem as both open-loop and closed-loop systems can be used to control motor skills. Choice B is also not directly related as the amount of force needed can vary depending on the specific goal and context of the skill. Choice D is also not directly related as environmental cues are important for many aspects of motor control, but not specifically for solving the degrees of freedom problem.

Question 5

Which of the following types of motor control theories emphasizes the role of a memory representation in the control of coordinated action?

Accepted Answer

Motor program theories, also known as schema theories, propose that skilled movements are controlled by pre-structured, hierarchically organized units of movement called motor programs. These motor programs are stored in memory and retrieved and executed automatically when needed. Therefore, memory representations play a central role in the control of coordinated action according to motor program theories. Chaos theories and dynamical systems theories, on the other hand, emphasize the importance of non-linear and complex interactions between multiple factors in the control of movement, rather than the role of memory representations.

Question 6

According to dynamical systems theory, the speed at which an action is performed is an example of:

Accepted Answer

According to dynamical systems theory, a control parameter is a variable that can be manipulated to change the behavior of a system. The speed at which an action is performed is a control parameter because it can be adjusted to modify the outcome of the action.

Question 7

A good example of a "self-organizing system" is a:

Accepted Answer

The hurricane is a good example of a self-organizing system because it is a complex system that emerges from the interaction of its individual components (e.g. air pressure, temperature, humidity) without the need for centralized control. The other options listed involve some level of programmed or human control, and do not exhibit the same level of emergent behavior.

Question 8

The action of throwing a dart at a dartboard is an example of a motor skill that is controlled by:

Accepted Answer

The answer of The action of throwing a dart at...

Question 9

Dynamical systems theories of motor control view the control of complex coordinated action from the perspective of ________ dynamics.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Dynamical systems theories of motor control view...

Question 10

According to Schmidt's motor program-based theory of movement control, relative timing is a(n) ________ of a generalized motor program (GMP).

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Schmidt's motor program-based theory of...

Question 11

The affordance concept suggests that we:

Accepted Answer

The affordance concept, introduced by James Gibson, suggests that we perceive the environment in terms of possibilities for action (C) and relative to our own characteristics (B), as these determine what actions are possible.

Question 12

In dynamical systems terminology, an attractor refers to a:

Accepted Answer

An attractor refers to a stable state or pattern of movement that a system tends to settle into over time, despite variations or perturbations in its initial conditions or inputs. This can be thought of as a basin of attraction that pulls the system towards a particular movement pattern or coordination solution. An attractor is a key concept in the dynamical systems approach to understanding motor control and learning.

Question 13

According to Schmidt's motor program-based theory of motor control, which of the following would be controlled by the same generalized motor program (GMP)?

Accepted Answer

According to Schmidt's motor program-based theory of motor control, tasks that share a similar movement pattern can be controlled by the same generalized motor program (GMP). Using either hand to reach for and grasp an object requires a similar movement pattern regardless of the hand used, so it is likely controlled by the same GMP. Tasks such as hitting a golf ball and hitting a pitched baseball, throwing a ball overhand and underhand, and walking and running require different movement patterns and are therefore unlikely to be controlled by the same GMP.

Question 14

In Shapiro and others' experiment on relative timing patterns in walking and running, a motor program-based theory of motor control would conclude that:

Accepted Answer

According to a motor program-based theory of motor control, each unique movement, such as walking or running, is controlled by a specific motor program or GMP. Therefore, the best choice is D because it suggests that walking and running are controlled by different GMPs.

Question 15

According to Schmidt's motor program-based theory of motor control, the mechanism primarily responsible for the control of coordinated movement controls:

Accepted Answer

Schmidt's motor program-based theory of motor control posits that the mechanism responsible for the control of coordinated movement is generalized to control a class of actions rather than specific movements or actions involving specific limbs. This allows for flexibility and adaptability in executing various movements that share common characteristics.

Question 16

Coordination should be considered in terms of body and limb movement patterns in relation to:

Accepted Answer

Coordination involves patterns of movement in relation to environmental objects and events. The other options (A, C, and D) are also important concepts in motor control but do not directly relate to coordination in terms of movement patterns and environmental factors.

Question 17

An important difference between the open- and closed-loop control systems is that the:

Accepted Answer

The closed-loop system involves feedback, which allows for continuous monitoring and adjustment of the system's output. In contrast, the open-loop system does not have feedback and relies solely on pre-programmed instructions.

Question 18

According to the dynamical systems theory, which of the following define, or identify, a specific movement pattern?

Accepted Answer

Order parameters define or identify a specific movement pattern according to the dynamical systems theory. Control parameters affect the system and can cause changes in the movement pattern, while movement duration and relative timing are aspects of the movement pattern that can vary without changing its overall identity.

Question 19

Cruise-control systems in cars are mechanical examples of ______ control systems.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Cruise-control systems in cars are mechanical examples...

Question 20

The world-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking stated that which of the following should describe a large class of observations and accurately predict the results of future observations?

Accepted Answer

Stephen Hawking stated that a theory should describe a large class of observations and accurately predict the results of future observations. Therefore, the best choice is D, theory.

Quiz 5: Motor Control Theories