Abstract
Field-based observation, including helmet-mounted cameras, was employed to study pattern-matching aspects of decision making in ice-hockey. We were interested in the role of situational familiarity in decision making and decision quality. Expert and non-expert players were videotaped during competition. In retrospective interviews, prompted by the game videos, players were asked about the role that familiarity (both event and rule-based), played in their decision-process. Decision quality and decision outcome were assessed retrospectively by two expert coaches. Experts described decision-making situations as ‘familiar’ twice as often as non-experts. Although rule-based decisions were more common, only for decisions based on recognition of the event, were familiar decisions rated as better quality. This pattern-matching aspect of the decision-making process and its relationship to decision quality has implications for theories of decision making in dynamic sports.
Acknowledgements
The final author would like to acknowledge financial assistance from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.