1. Motor Development: A Theoretical Model
Chapter 3
Motor Development: A Theoretical Model
© Gallahue, D.L., Ozmun, J.C., & Goodway, J.D. (2012). Understanding Motor Development. Boston: McGraw-Hill.
© 2012 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.
McGraw-Hill/Irwin

2. Key Concept
The processes and products of motor development across the lifespan may be conceptualized through use of a Triangulated Hourglass Heuristic.

3. Theoretical Viewpoints
Descriptive Theories:
Focus on the typical products of development
Use: Phase/stage; developmental milestone; or developmental task approaches to better understand development
Explanatory Theories:
Focus on the underlying processes of development
Use: Dynamic systems and ecological approaches to better understand development

4. Descriptive Theories Views Motor Development As a Product That:
Progresses from simple to complex
Is sequential and orderly in nature
Builds skill upon skill
Requires proficiency in basic skills prior to using them as complex skill
Varies in rate and extent from person to person

5. Explanatory Theories View Development As a Process That Is :
Multifaceted
Nonlinear
Discontinuous
Transactional
Self-organizing

6. Theory Building Inductive Approach Deductive Approach Fact based
Builds conceptual framework around existing facts
Attempts to organize and explain current knowledge
Deductive Approach
Inference based
Integrates existing facts with empirical evidence
Can form testable hypotheses
Meets the empirical test of support

7. The Triangulated Hourglass Model (figure 3.2)
A theoretical model (not a complete theory)
A heuristic device (i.e. a metaphor) for conceptualizing the products and processes of motor development
Is descriptive (hourglass = phases & stages)
Is explanatory (inverted triangle = task, individual & environment)
Is deductive in nature (inference based)

8. A Theoretical Model: The Triangulated Hourglass

9. The Hourglass (i.e. Phases & Stages)
Reflexive Phase
Information encoding stage
Information decoding stage
Rudimentary Phase
Reflex inhibition stage
Precontrol stage
Fundamental Phase
Initial stage
Emerging elementary stages
Proficient stage
Specialized Phase
Transition stage
Application stage
Lifelong utilization stage

10. The Hourglass

11. The Inverted Hourglass (Figure 3.3)
Hereditary Filter
Lifestyle Filter
Lifelong Opportunities for Learning

12. The “Bottom Line”: Moving Toward Skillful Movers
Motor Control Across the Lifespan
Movement Competence Across the Lifespan

13. Concluding Concept
Understanding the process and products of motor development helps us describe and explain how movement skill learning occurs; both of which are crucial to developmentally appropriate instruction.