Computer controlled interactive video simulation for motor skills research

Researchers examining skilled performance in the laboratory must establish contextual relevance to the usual performance environment to ensure that the obtained data truly reflect expertise in the skill under investigation. Interactive video simulation is a viable method for providing such ecological validity. This paper describes the development to date of such a simulator and outlines two sports-performance studies which demonstrate the validity and reliability of the configuration in competitive situations. Further development of the simulator is possible through new technologies and through the assembly of specific interfaces for other motor skills. The paradigm also has potential as a training resource for teaching the specific knowledge necessary for expert levels of performance.