The Motor Behavior Laboratory is directed by Jared Porter. Research conducted in the MBL is typically directed towards identifying and understanding the factors that mediate motor performance, the learning of motor skills, and the control of goal-directed actions. Research is conducted to test hypotheses, develop theory-based knowledge that applies to practical settings, and solve practical problems related to goal-directed actions and skills. Recent projects have included examinations of the effects of self-control and attentional focus manipulations on the performance and learning of motor skills. Please contact the director, Jared Porter, if you are interested in joining the Sport Psychology & Motor Behavior graduate program, discuss a possible research collaboration, or need consulting services.
Research Areas
Skill Acquisition, Performance & Learning
- Self-control effects on motor learning (i.e., the effects of providing learners with control over some aspect of the instructional setting such as feedback administration or amount of practice)
- Attentional focus effects (i.e., the effects of instructions that direct participants’ attentional focus to various cues)
Facilities & Equipment
The MBL is housed in Rooms 129 and 135A of the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Building. The lab contains a variety of equipment for measuring motor performance and learning in both laboratory and field settings. A partial list includes:
- Inertial movement monitors
- Portable force platform
- Video-based motion analysis system
- Customizable computerized testing stations
- Stabilometer
- Anticipation timer
- Digitizing tablets
Applications
Information about the graduate programs in Sport Psychology and Motor Behavior, assistantship opportunities, and applications can be found on the Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies Graduate Programs web pages.