Effects of performance principle training upon skill analysis competency

Previous research indicates that the traditional undergraduate course in kinesiology has failed to develop an ability in physical educators and coaches to qualitatively evaluate movement. A successful alternative approach, which employs research in concept formation and discrimination training, has been developed at The Ohio State University. Utilizing the methodology developed in this approach, a skill analysis training protocol was designed to teach subjects how to identify and diagnose critical elements of sport skills by applying performance principles derived from biomechanical concepts. The training program included written and videotaped instruction in identifying and diagnosing applications of five performance principles introduced in a random order. A single-subject multiple probe design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program. The dependent variable consisted of repeated evaluations of 65 different videotaped sport skill performances to measure skill analysis competency at two levels: (a) identification of performance principle applications in sport skills, and (b) discriminating between effective and ineffective applications of the performance principle in a sport skill. The training intervention produced significant functional change for most subjects at both levels of the dependent variable. Baseline responses at both levels of the dependent variable tended to be few, vague, and/or incorrect. After intervention, nearly every subject attained identification levels over 70% in each performance principle. Discrimination accuracy was significantly improved for most subjects in every performance principle. Accuracy levels over 70% were attained by many subjects. These training effects were maintained or improved during the post-study follow-up.;The breadth of skill analysis training can be improved by training physical educators to apply performance principles in each analysis of the myriad of sport skills they are likely to encounter in the public schools. The success of this intervention has implications for the methods physical education teacher educators use to teach concepts and justifies the inclusion of discrimination training in any skill analysis training program.