The cognitive architecture of complex movement

Abstract

This article examines the cognitive architecture of complex movements, how it is organized over several levels and is built on specific building blocks. Basic Action Concepts (BACs) are identified as the major building blocks on the level of mental representations. These BACs are cognitive tools for mastering the functional demands of movement tasks. New experimental methods are introduced and applied in studies addressing the functional link between representation structures and human performance. Results from two different lines of research showed that not only is the structure formation of mental representations in long‐term memory built upon BACs, but so is chunk formation in working memory and systematically relates systematically to movement structures. Further lines of experimental research in various fields of sport showed that cognitive subsystems work together functionally with different levels of movement architecture in order to solve movement tasks. These results support the hypothesis that voluntary movements are planned, executed, and stored in memory directly through representations of their anticipated perceptual effects. Conclusions are drawn for new forms of mental training as well as new ways of carrying out technical preparation.

Key words:

• cognitive psychology
• mental representation
• chunking
• performance
• expertise
• mental training
• evolution
• biomechanics