title: Does expert perceptual anticipation transfer to a dissimilar domain?
abstract: The purpose of this experiment was to extend theoretical understanding of transfer of learning by investigating whether expert perceptual anticipation skill transfers to a dissimilar domain. The capability of expert and near-expert rugby players as well as novices to anticipate skill type within rugby (learning sport) was first examined using a temporal occlusion paradigm. Participants watched video footage of an opponent performing rugby skill types that were temporally occluded at different points in the opponent's action and then made a written prediction. Thereafter, the capability of participants to transfer their anticipation skill to predict pitch type in baseball (transfer sport) was examined. Participants watched video footage of a pitcher throwing different pitch types that were temporally occluded and made a written prediction. Results indicated that expert and near-expert rugby players anticipated significantly better than novices across all occlusion conditions. However, none of the skill groups were able to transfer anticipation skill to predict pitch type in baseball. The findings of this paper, along with existing literature, support the theoretical prediction that transfer of perceptual anticipation is expertise dependent and restricted to similar domains.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University.
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McLaren
authors.affiliation: Hockey Australia.
authors.forename: Brendyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Appleby
authors.affiliation: School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University.
authors.forename: Simon M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Rosalie
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D059031:Anticipation, Psychological; D054874:Athletic Performance / Q000523:psychology*; D001484:Baseball; D005538:Football; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D014163:Transfer, Psychology; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult