Knowledge structures of expert-novice gymnasts

Differences in eye movements, problem solving, and verbalization were found for three groups of female gymnasts (N=30) differentiated by skill level (elite, intermediate, novice). In the first study, eye fixations to body parts were recorded during slide presentations of six gymnastic sequences. In a second study, time and error scores were recorded in a problem solving task requiring the resequencing of photographs derived from the sequences used in the eye movement study. In the third study, verbal reports identified the photograph in each sequence and body part thought most important to a successful performance. Consistent differences between groups were recorded in fixations to body parts, time and error scores, and verbal reports; relationships between eye movement and time and error scores, and eye movements and verbal reports were also determined. All three studies supported the general hypotheses that gymnasts with different skill levels are attuned to different type of gymnastic information. These differences are discussed within the context of a knowledge structure of gymnastics, which is defined as an internal representation for a physical skill that is developed in concert with the gymnast's motor system. It is suggested that gymnasts, depending upon skill level, are drawn to perceive certain types of gymnastic information while being oblivious to other equally available types of information. Attunement to gymnastic information appears to be linked up to physical skill level in ways not yet understood.