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Lab 4 Visual Search

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this lab experiment is to examine the influence of visual search training on catching performance.

Reference Chapter 4

Materials Needed

• Three different colored foam coated balls, approximately 3" big • Open space • Individual Data Sheet • Group Data Sheet

Procedures

The objective of this task is to catch a ball with the preferred hand. You will work in groups of three, taking turns as thrower, catcher, and recorder.

Pretest

The thrower and catcher will be positioned 6m apart, with the catcher standing with his or her back to the thrower. Using an underhand throw, the thrower will toss the ball to the catcher 8 times (the same color ball should be used for all throws). Just before executing each toss, the thrower says “now.” On hearing this, the catcher will turn around and catch the oncoming ball. The recorder will record the number of successful catches and document behaviors observed in each trial, using the Individual Data Sheet.

Training Phase

During the training phase, the thrower and catcher will be positioned as they were in the pretest. Eighteen trials will be completed. For each trial, the thrower will throw one of three different colored balls, randomly selecting the color order. In addition to turning to

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catch the thrown ball as in the pretest, the catcher must call out the color of the ball as soon as possible.

Post-test

Repeat the procedure used in the pretest, 8 additional tosses. Record the results and behavior observations on the Individual Data Sheet.

Results

1. Obtain the data from the other participants, total the number of successful catches for the pretest and post-test, and record the data on the Group Data Sheet.

2. Calculate the mean score for each participant by dividing the total number of successful catches by the number of trials (8) and record the data on the Group Data Sheet.

3. Calculate the mean number of successful catches for the pretest and post-test for the group and record the data on the Group Data Sheet.

4. Create a bar graph at www.onlinecharttool.com/graph.php to represent the pretest and post-test means for the group.

Discussion

1. Describe how catching performance differed following the training phase. 2. What behavioral changes occurred between the pretest and post-test? 3. Describe the influence of the training phase on (a) tracking, (b) early recognition of

the ball, and (c) directed focus to information-rich areas for relevant cue detection.

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Name: Date:

Individual Data Sheet

Pretest

Trial Outcome ( or X) Observations

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

TOTAL

Post-test

Trial Outcome ( or X) Observations

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

TOTAL

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Name: Date:

Group Data Sheet

Participant Successful

Pretest Catches

Pretest Mean

Successful Post-test Catches

Post-test Mean

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Mean