FOCUS OF ATTENTION
This area of research examines how the individual’s focus of attention affects the performance and learning of motor skills. In several studies, we have shown that instructions and feedback that direct the performer’s attention to the movement effect on the environment (e.g., an implement) (“external focus”) facilitate performance and learning compared to those that direct attention to the movements themselves (“internal focus”), or no attentional focus instructions (“control conditions”). We have evidence showing that the adoption of an external focus promotes the utilization of relatively automatic control processes – making performance more effective and efficient. These findings have important implications for practical settings, such as sport, music, and physical or occupational therapy.
Related publications:
Books:
Wulf, G. (2009). Aufmerksamkeit und motorisches Lernen (Attention and motor learning). München: Elsevier.
Wulf, G. (2007). Attention and motor skill learning. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Journal articles:
Wulf, G., & Dufek, J.S. (in press). Increased jump height with an external attentional focus is due to augmented force production. Journal of Motor Behavior.
Wulf, G., & Lewthwaite, R. (in press). Attentional and motivational influences on motor performance and learning. In A. Mornell (Ed.), Art in Motion: Musical and Athletic Motor Learning and Performance. Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang.
Wulf, G., & Lewthwaite, R. (in press). Effortless motor learning? An external focus of attention enhances movement effectiveness and efficiency. In B. Bruya (Ed.), Effortless Attention: A New Perspective in the Cognitive Science of Attention and Action. Cambridge, MA:MIT Press.
Wulf, G., & Shea, C.H. (in press). Motor skill learning and performance: A review of influential factors. Medical Education.
Wulf, G., Landers, M., Lewthwaite, R., & Töllner, T. (2009). External focus instructions reduce postural instability in individuals with Parkinson disease. Physical Therapy, 89, 162-168.
Wulf, G., Lewthwaite, R., Landers, M., & Töllner, T (2009). The power of external focus instructions to enhance performance and learning. Physical Therapy, 89, 170-172.
Maas, E., Robin, D.A., Austermann Hula, S.N., Freedman, S.E., Wulf, G., Ballard, K.J., & Schmidt, R.A. (2008). Principles of motor learning in treatment of motor speech disorders. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 17, 277-298.
Wulf, G. (2008). Attentional focus effects in balance acrobats. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 79, 319-325.
Wulf, G., & Mornell, A. (2008) Insights about practice from the perspective of motor learning: A review. Music Performance Research, 2, 1-25.
Freedman, S.E., Maas, E., Caligiuri, M.P., Wulf, G., & Robin, D.A. (2007). Internal vs. external: Oral-motor performance as a function of attentional focus. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, 50, 131-136.
Wulf, G. (2007). Attentional focus and motor learning: A review of 10 years of research (Target article). E-Journal Bewegung und Training, 1-11. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.ejournal-but.de/doks/wulf_2007.pdf
Wulf, G. (2007). Methods, findings, explanations, and future directions: Response to commentaries on “Attentional focus and motor learning”. E-Journal Bewegung und Training, 57-64. Retrieved October 16, 2008, from http://www.ejournal-but.de/doks/wulf_2007.pdf
Wulf, G., & Su, J. (2007). An external focus of attention enhances golf shot accuracy in beginners and experts. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78, 384-389.
Wulf, G., Töllner, T., & Shea (2007). Attentional focus effects as a function of task complexity. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 78, 257-264.
Wulf, G., Zachry, T., Granados, C., & Dufek, J.S. (2007). Increases in jump-and-reach height through an external focus of attention. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2, 275-284.
Landers, M., Wulf, G., Wallmann, H., & Guadagnoli, M.A. (2005). An external focus of attention attenuates balance impairment in Parkinson’s disease. Physiotherapy, 91, 152-185.
Wulf, G. (2005). Movement efficiency and attentional focus. International Journal of Fitness, 1, 25-29.
Zachry, T., Wulf, G., Mercer, J., & Bezodis, N. (2005). Increased movement accuracy and reduced EMG activity as the result of adopting an external focus of attention. Brain Research Bulletin, 67, 304-309.
Vance, J., Wulf, G., Töllner, T., McNevin, N.H., & Mercer, J. (2004). EMG activity as a function of the performer’s focus of attention. Journal of Motor Behavior, 36, 450-459.
Wulf, G., & McNevin, N.H. (2003). Simply distracting learners is not enough: More evidence for the learning benefits of an external focus of attention. European Journal of Sport Science, 3 (5).
Wulf, G., Mercer, J., McNevin, N.H., & Guadagnoli, M.A. (2004). Reciprocal influences of attentional focus on postural and supra-postural task performance. Journal of Motor Behavior, 36, 189-199.
Totsika, V., & Wulf, G. (2003). An external focus of attention enhances transfer to novel situations and skills. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 74, 220-225.
Wulf, G., Weigelt, M., Poulter, D.R., & McNevin, N.H. (2003). Attentional focus on supra-postural tasks affects balance learning. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 56, 1191-1211.
Wulf, G., Wächter, S., & Wortmann, S. (2003). Attentional focus in motor skill learning: Do females benefit from an external focus? Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 12, 37-52.
McNevin, N.H., Shea, C.H., & Wulf, G. (2003). Increasing the distance of an external focus of attention enhances learning. Psychological Research, 67, 22-29.
McNevin, N.H., & Wulf, G. (2002). Attentional focus on supra-postural tasks affects postural control. Human Movement Science, 21, 187-202.
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