Motor Controls Week 5
Discussion 1
Self-determination is an essential piece of psychological well-being that allows individuals to have a sense of control of their own lives. The self-determination theory connects personality, human motivation, and optimal performance. The theory contends that there are two primary types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic, that are vital in shaping an individual. To facilitate self-determination in students or clients, I would help them by guiding them to: first, set individual goals. Second, help them identify setbacks and barriers that would hinder them from achieving the goals. Third, support them in making the right choices through referencing personal interests and preferences. Finally, advise them to stick to activities that drive them closer to the set goals. Through these ways, I believe it would be easy to attain the goals. The self-determination theory would help us to understand athletes who do not want to participate in rehabilitation activities. For instance, an analysis of individual intrinsic aspects helps us to understand an individual’s core values, sense of morality, and interests. Understanding an individual and then comparing it with the available resources like the grading system or the resources used, would help an individual understand an athlete.
In my childhood, I used to watch the NBA on televisions and developed a great passion for playing basketball. Thus, joining basketball is a thing I wanted since I was young. An extrinsic motivator that compelled me to join a physical activity is how my mate loved surfing. I was obliged to buy a surfing board, where we would go surfing during weekends. In playing basketball, there was a strong connectedness between relatedness, autonomy, and competency as opposed to surfing. I would argue that the motivation that comes from within is good compared to the motivation that comes extrinsically.
Discussion 2
An observation of the multitasker shows a lot of activities he is involved in, and also reveals structural and cognitive hindrances affecting his performance.
The following are the activities he is involved in exercising on a treadmill, making a phone call, holding a dog (the dog chain is pegged on his hand), and typing on his laptop (probably printing some papers). Also, the television is on, and Every activity is affecting the performance of the other activity.
It is a daunting task to concentrate on a given activity. One of the structural interferences is the dog, which is also running on a treadmill. As the dog runs, it destabilizes the multitasker making him lose his concentration on other activities like typing on his computer. In addition, it can result in the multitasker making inconstant steps (over striding or making short strides) on the treadmill. In the same vein, the phone call is taking a toll on his body coordination and can barely concentrate. In the week three discussion, we focused on expert and novice learners and found that the position of the arms is very crucial in learning. The other activities cannot allow him to put his arm in a proper position. In my opinion, I would argue that every activity is an obstacle to another. For instance, in the running, an individual requires more than legs to run; arms and brain are also important. Therefore, the activities are affecting the multitasker, both mentally and physically.