Concept Mapping of Movement-Related Knowledge

Abstract

Concept mapping was developed by Novak and Gowin in 1984 as a technique to examine an individual's knowledge-base in a given domain. In the motor domain, however, with a heavy emphasis on automated and tacit knowledge there may not be a base of information which can be verbally reported. 52 subjects with similar academic backgrounds were asked to explain all they knew about the concept of movement, and these reports were transcribed and assessed by four judges. Subjects also completed a pattern-recognition task related to procedural knowledge for movement. Over-all, the judges were able to identify a clear hierarchy in the levels of movement-related knowledge, suggesting that this technique may be useful in research on movement. However, this declarative knowledge appeared to be distinct from associated procedural knowledge, supporting Anderson's (1982) theory and the need for several tools to provide a more complete reflection of the knowledge base in a particular domain.