This is just a selection of research publications. Full publications are linked to Marianne and Sam’s ResearchGate profiles.
Skill Acquisition and Sports Psychology
Every story has two sides: evaluating information processing and ecological dynamics perspectives of focus of attention in skill acquisition.
In this article we explore how where we focus our attention can affect our performance, efficiency, and even overall well-being. For example, research suggests that focusing on the effects of our actions on the environment around us (external focus) can be more beneficial than focusing on our own body movements (internal focus). However, most explanations for why this may be the case have focused on how our brain processes information (individual), with little consideration for other possible explanations based on how we interact with our surroundings (individual-environment interactions).
This review aims to: (a) summarize the latest research on attentional focus; (b) compare information processing and ecological dynamics explanations for the effects of attentional focus; (c) provide practical recommendations; and (d) suggest areas for future research. In conclusion, it suggests an ‘Ecological Dynamics Account of Attentional Focus’ as an alternative explanation to the traditional information processing approach.
Equestrian
This concept paper outlines how ecological psychology and dynamical systems theory can be applied to horses and humans, providing guidance for using a constraints-led approach in coaching and training.
Sport
Applying contextual interference to the Pawlata roll.
This paper is a write up of a research study examining practice structure in skill acquisition in a complex skill.
Marianne’s ResearchGate profile
Mineral exploration/ adaptive expertise
Learning and Expertise in Mineral Exploration Decision-Making: An Ecological Dynamics Perspective
We outline the Dynamics model, as a diagnostic tool for situational analysis and a guiding framework for designing working and training environments to maximise exploration performance.
