Focus of Attention: Part 2

In the first blog, the concept of focus of attention was defined and examined within a sporting context. Focus of attention was defined as the information at which the performer’s attention or consciousness is directed (Schmidt and Wrisberg, 2000). The first blog was centred on differences between adopting an external focus of attention relative to an internal focus of attention during performance of motor skills. It was concluded from a number of studies (Freudenheim et. al 2010, Ille et. al 2013, Wulf et al. 1999, Zarghami et al. 2012) that utilising an external focus of attention, rather than an internal focus of attention, to be beneficial for sporting performance. This blog is the second of a three part blog series and will examine the measurement of focus of attention as a key issue within sports psychology. This blog will include a critical analysis of the literature, in order to provide an insight as to why this is a key issue within sport and sports psychology research. Finally, this blog will conclude as to whether issue may be alleviated and how we may go about doing so.

The previous literature showed that adopting an external relative to an internal focus of attention to be advantageous for sporting performance; however, these studies did not measure the exact direction of focus (internal or external) of the performer during the task. Wulf et al. (2013) examined the motor learning advantages of an external focus of attention relative to an internal focus for a short golf shot. Results from the trials both practice and 24-post indicated that the external focus group achieved significantly better results. Despite significant performance differences between the trial groups, Wulf et. al did not show any concrete measure of direction of focus of attention. Participants were simply instructed to focus on the ‘swinging motion of the arms’ (internal focus trial group) or the ‘movement of the club’ (external focus trial group). Although there were significant differences in performance between the groups, direction of focus was not quantified. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude that performance differences occurred as a direct result of focus of attention.

Zarghami et. al (2012) found that utilising an external directed focus of attention to enhance discus throwing performance. However, similar to the research methods of Wulf et. al (2013), this study did not measure direction of focus. Participants in this study were instructed to concentrate on their hand and wrist in the internal focus group, whereas the external focus group was told to concentrate on the discus particularly the landing of the discus. Again, despite significant differences in performance observed between the two groups, direction of focus was not measured or quantified. Therefore, similar to Wulf et. al (2013) study of a golf shot, it is difficult to attribute differences in performance of the two groups to focus of attention.

Findings in previous studies discussed in the first blog (Freudenheim et. al 2010, Ille et. al 2013) are consistent with findings from Wulf et. al (2013) and Zarghami et. al (2012); that is, employing an external focus of attention compared to an internal, is advantageous for performance of a sprint start and increases in freestyle swim velocity. However, in these studies as seen in much of the previous literature, direction of focus of attention (internal or external) was not measured. As stated previously, this creates some difficulties in attributing differences in performance to focus of attention.

Unless we are able to accurately measure and quantify focus of attention, we cannot say that observed differences in focus of attention are a direct result of changing focus of attention. Although experimental conditions only differed in attentional focus throughout the studies, quantifying focus is still required to make inferences regarding explanation of results. Otherwise, what is being observed is a correlation or relationship, rather than a concrete psychological concept. Improving research methodologies will assist in creating studies that are both valid and reliable, and primarily aid in improving performance. The next blog will explore solutions to the issue of measurement of direction of focus and include recommendations for future research.

References

Bliss, C. B. (1892). Investigations in reaction-time and attention.

Freudenheim, A. M., Wulf, G., Madureira, F., Pasetto, S. C., & Corrêa, U. C. (2010). Original Research: An External Focus of Attention Results in Greater Swimming Speed. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 5(4), 533-542.

Ille, A., Selin, I., Do, M. C., & Thon, B. (2013). Attentional focus effects on sprint start performance as a function of skill level.

Schmidt, R. A., & Wrisberg, C. A. (2000). Motor learning and performance (Vol. 3). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Wulf, G., Lauterbach, B., & Toole, T. (1999). The learning advantages of an external focus of attention in golf. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport,70(2), 120-126.

Zarghami, M., Saemi, E., & Fathi, I. (2012). External focus of attention enhances discus throwing performance. Kinesiology, 44(1), 47-51.