Information Processing in Sport
The Simple Model of Information Processing
Let's dive into how our brain processes information during sports performance. Think of your brain as a super-sophisticated computer that follows a specific sequence when processing information during physical activities.
The Four-Stage Model
The basic model of information processing consists of four key stages:
- Input (Stimulus)
- Decision Making
- Output (Response)
- Feedback
Think of this model as a continuous loop rather than a linear process - it's constantly cycling during sports performance!
Breaking Down Each Stage
1. Input (Stimulus)
This is where your senses take in information from the environment:
- Visual input (seeing the ball)
- Auditory input (hearing teammates)
- Tactile input (feeling the ground or equipment)
- Proprioceptive input (knowing where your body is in space)
In basketball, a player receives multiple inputs:
- Sees defenders' positions
- Hears teammates calling for the ball
- Feels the basketball in their hands
- Senses their body position on the court
2. Decision Making
Your brain processes the input and decides what to do:
- Analyzes the situation
- Draws from past experiences
- Considers available options
