Question 1

Which of the following best distinguishes 'performance' from 'learning' in the context of motor skills?

Accepted Answer

Performance is an observable behavior, while learning is a relatively permanent change in performance due to practice or experience.

Question 2

In archery, which of the following is an example of a performance production measure?

Accepted Answer

The act of drawing the bow and releasing the arrow.

Question 3

Which method is LEAST appropriate for assessing high-speed, complex movements in sports?

Accepted Answer

Human judgement alone.

Question 4

A researcher wants to measure the electrical activity of muscles during a sprint. Which tool should they use?

Accepted Answer

Electromyogram (EMG)

Question 5

Which of the following is a performance outcome measure?

Accepted Answer

The accuracy of a shot on target.

Question 6

Given the scores of +10 cm, +4 cm, -1 cm, and -5 cm from a golf putting task (target = 0 cm), what is the constant error (CE)?

Accepted Answer

$CE = \frac{10 + 4 - 1 - 5}{4} = 2cm$

Question 7

Which error measure reflects the variability or inconsistency of performance around the mean?

Accepted Answer

Variable error (VE)

Question 8

A basketball player consistently misses shots to the left of the hoop. Which error measure would best capture the direction of their error?

Accepted Answer

Constant error (CE)

Question 9

Which formula correctly calculates the root mean square error (RMS) for scores $X_i$ and target $T$?

Accepted Answer

$RMS = \sqrt{\frac{\sum (X_i - T)^2}{n}}$

Question 10

Which of the following best describes absolute error (AE)?

Accepted Answer

It is the mean of the absolute differences between scores and the target.

Question 11

A coach wants to know how consistent an athlete's performance is, regardless of accuracy. Which error measure should they use?

Accepted Answer

Variable error (VE)

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a method for assessing production in motor performance?

Accepted Answer

Accuracy of shot on target

Question 13

If a participant's scores are all close to the target but vary greatly in direction (some positive, some negative), which error measure will be high?

Accepted Answer

Variable error (VE)

Question 14

Which scenario best illustrates the use of temporal/timing accuracy in performance outcome measures?

Accepted Answer

Measuring the time taken to react to a stimulus in a driving simulation.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the purpose of using high-speed filming in assessing production?

Accepted Answer

To slow down movement for detailed analysis of position, velocity, and acceleration.

Question 16

A researcher is interested in measuring blood flow to active brain areas during a motor task. Which method should they use?

Accepted Answer

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Question 17

Which of the following is an example of a spatial accuracy measure in performance outcome?

Accepted Answer

Distance from the bullseye in dart throwing.

Question 18

If a participant's putts are +10 cm, +4 cm, -1 cm, and -5 cm from the target, what is the absolute error (AE)?

Accepted Answer

$AE = \frac{|10| + |4| + |1| + |5|}{4} = 5cm$

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the difference between production and outcome measures in performance assessment?

Accepted Answer

Production measures focus on the behavior required to achieve a goal, while outcome measures focus on the result of the performance.

Measuring Performance in Psychology: Methods and Error Analysis

Study Guide - Practice Questions