title: Attentional mechanisms in sports via brain-electrical event-related potentials.
abstract: In this study, we examined attention processes in complex, sport-specific decision-making tasks without interdependencies from anticipation. Psychophysiological and performance data recorded from advanced and intermediate level basketball referees were compared. Event-related potentials obtained while judging game situations in foul recognition and a control task provided insight into focus of attention, selective attention, and processing strategy (top-down vs. bottom-up). Results showed task-specific effects for advanced referees in components influenced by attentional focus and selective attention. Experts also seemed to profit from superior top-down strategy and were able to evaluate the stimuli more rapidly. These findings are discussed in connection with current models in neurosciences and theories of referee research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology at the University of Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hack
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Memmert
authors.forename: Andre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rupp
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D003071:Cognition; D003657:Decision Making; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual; D006801:Humans; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011930:Reaction Time; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis