Motor Development: A

Theoretical Model
© Gallahue, D.L., Ozmun, J.C., & Goodway, J.D. (2012). Understanding Motor
Development. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

McGraw-Hill/Irwin © 2012 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

 The processes and products of motor
development across the lifespan may be
conceptualized through use of a
Triangulated Hourglass Heuristic.

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 Descriptive Theories:
 Focus on the typical products of development
 Use: Phase/stage; developmental milestone; or
developmental task approaches to better understand
development
 Explanatory Theories:
 Focus on the underlying processes of development
 Use: Dynamic systems and ecological approaches to
better understand development

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 Progresses from simple to complex
 Is sequential and orderly in nature
 Builds skill upon skill
 Requires proficiency in basic skills prior to
using them as complex skill
 Varies in rate and extent from person to person

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 Multifaceted
 Nonlinear
 Discontinuous
 Transactional
 Self-organizing

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 Inductive Approach
 Fact based
 Builds conceptual framework around existing facts
 Attempts to organize and explain current knowledge
 Deductive Approach
 Inference based
 Integrates existing facts with empirical evidence
 Can form testable hypotheses
 Meets the empirical test of support

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 A theoretical model (not a complete theory)
 A heuristic device (i.e. a metaphor) for
conceptualizing the products and processes of
motor development
 Is descriptive (hourglass = phases & stages)
 Is explanatory (inverted triangle = task,
individual & environment)
 Is deductive in nature (inference based)

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 Reflexive Phase
 Information encoding stage
 Information decoding stage
 Rudimentary Phase
 Reflex inhibition stage
 Precontrol stage
 Fundamental Phase
 Initial stage
 Emerging elementary stages
 Proficient stage
 Specialized Phase
 Transition stage
 Application stage
 Lifelong utilization stage

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 Hereditary Filter

 Lifestyle Filter

 Lifelong Opportunities for Learning

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Motor Control Across the Lifespan

Movement Competence Across the Lifespan

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 Understanding the process and products of
motor development helps us describe and explain
how movement skill learning occurs; both of
which are crucial to developmentally appropriate
instruction.

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