What does the term intertrial variability mean in Gentile’s skill classification system? How does this term provide an additional characteristic for distinguishing open and closed motor skills? Give two examples of motor skills for each of the four categories of skills that are created by this added distinction.
The correct answer and explanation is :
Correct Answer:
In Gentile’s skill classification system, intertrial variability refers to whether the conditions in the environment change from one performance attempt (trial) to the next. It specifically focuses on variations in regulatory conditions—the environmental features that determine how a movement must be performed. This concept adds depth to distinguishing open and closed motor skills by accounting for consistency or variability across repetitions of the same skill.
Explanation (300 words):
Gentile’s two-dimensional taxonomy classifies motor skills based on environmental context and function of the action. One of the key aspects of the environmental context is intertrial variability—which indicates whether the regulatory conditions (such as surface, size, position of objects) remain the same or change between attempts.
This concept provides a richer distinction between open and closed motor skills:
- Closed motor skills occur in stable, predictable environments. With no intertrial variability, conditions are consistent (e.g., hitting golf balls at a driving range from the same spot). When intertrial variability is present, the skill is still closed but must adapt to slight differences (e.g., bowling with different lane oil patterns).
- Open motor skills are performed in dynamic, unpredictable environments. With no intertrial variability, the task remains relatively similar (e.g., returning volleyball serves during warm-ups). With intertrial variability, performers must adjust continuously (e.g., playing an actual volleyball game with changing plays and opponents).
Examples of Motor Skills in Each of the Four Categories:
- Closed skills / No intertrial variability:
- Shooting free throws in basketball
- Typing on a standard keyboard
- Closed skills / With intertrial variability:
- Walking across different rooms in your house
- Putting golf balls from different locations on a practice green
- Open skills / No intertrial variability:
- Batting practice with a pitching machine
- Goalkeeping drills with a consistent shot angle
- Open skills / With intertrial variability:
- Playing in a soccer match
- Returning tennis serves from opponents with different styles
Understanding intertrial variability helps practitioners tailor practice to promote adaptability and skill transfer in real-life settings.