Scheduled for Poster Session: Research on Teaching and Instruction in Schools and Higher Education, Thursday, April 10, 2008, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM, Convention Center: Exhibit Hall, Reseach Consortium Poster Sessions


Effects of Model Similarity on Learning of Skills in Cricket

Willy K. Rotich and Loius Harrison Jr, University of Texas-Austin, Austin, TX

Modeling is the process where observers attempt to replicate a demonstrated behavior or action (McCullagh, Weiss and Ross, 1989). The modeling process is regarded by many as one of the most powerful means of transmitting behaviors, beliefs and values (Bandura, 1986). Modeling via visual demonstrations stands as one of the most salient means of conveying information to learners (Meaney, 2005). The symbolic representational theory maintains that when an individual observes a demonstration of a motor skill, he or she formulates a cognitive symbolic representation of that skill which subsequently acts as a blueprint to guide overt reproduction of the skill (Gould & Roberts, 1982). Modeling is a complex process which has been shown to be influenced by a number of factors, such as specificity of demonstration, psychological factors (motivation), model characteristics, and spacing and timing of demonstration (Gould & Roberts, 1982). Most studies investigating the effects of model characteristics have focused on gender and skill level. Few studies have examined the characteristic of the race of the model. This investigation is designed to examine if observing a racially similar or dissimilar model influences retention of concepts by observers and eventual recall from a video demonstration. The influence of model similarity was examined through learning of skills in the game of cricket, which was purported to be a novel sport to participants in this study. Approximately half of the participants viewed a video featuring White participants, while the other half viewed a video featuring Black participants. Narration and skills presented were identical in both videos. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to indicate participants' recall of skills and affect regarding the sport of cricket. Results indicate that most participants tended to render more positive affect and greater willingness to learn the skill when the model was White. While the vast majority of the participants were White, they maintained that they did not notice the race of the participants in the video in either condition. While the results of this study are certainly not conclusive, it does indicate that the race of a model may impact the affect, and subsequently approach tendencies of observers. Clearly, more research is necessary to examine the impact of model racial characteristics on physical activity and sport affect.
Keyword(s): motor skills, multiculturalism/cultural diversity

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