Effect of Complexity of a Physical Task on Estimation of Time to Complete

Abstract

Two studies were performed to examine the effect of the complexity of a physical task on the estimation of the time required for its performance. Different paradigms for the estimation of time (prospective vs retrospective) were used with different methods of estimation (reproduction vs verbal estimation). In Study 1, 32 pairs of adults were asked to throw a ball to each other in different ways. The two groups were distinguished by the motor and cognitive changes required in moving from one task to the next. One group had to perform 10 successive repetitions on each of five kinds of ball throws, while the other had to perform the same number of ball throws but with each type being split into two different successive sets of throws so here the task consisted of changes. In Study 2, 60 children (aged 7 or 8 yr.) were asked to perform a set of basketball tasks. The two groups were distinguished by the pace at which they had to perform the task, slowly or rapidly. The results of the two studies indicated a negative relation between the complexity of the task and the group's estimation of time. The reproductive method yielded shorter estimations than the verbal method. The results indicate that for physical activity the attentional model may well be valid.