Efficiency of information processing to include:: Initial conditions.

The idea

In Schmidt's schema theory, initial conditions are one of the four types of information gathered and stored after a movement is performed. They refer to the information about the environment and the performer's body position before the movement begins. This includes proprioceptive feedback about posture and visual information about the location of opponents or targets. For example, a basketball player notes their distance from the hoop and their body balance before shooting. Initial conditions are combined with response specifications to form the recall schema, which is responsible for initiating the motor programme.

What earns the marks

• Initial conditions are a key component of Schmidt's schema theory, gathered before a movement begins.
• Initial conditions are stored in memory and combined with response specifications to form the recall schema.
• The recall schema uses this information to select the appropriate parameters to initiate the generalised motor programme.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treating initial conditions as a generic information processing factor rather than a specific component of Schmidt's schema theory.

• Forgetting that initial conditions include internal bodily information (proprioception) as well as external environmental factors.

• Confusing initial conditions with response specifications.

  Put it right: Initial conditions are the starting state, while response specifications are the parameters chosen for the movement.

Exam tips

• Always link initial conditions to Schmidt's schema theory and the formation of the recall schema.
• Provide a concrete example of an initial condition, such as a tennis player noting their court position before serving.
• Explain that initial conditions are gathered before the movement starts, setting the baseline for parameter selection.