AQA · A-Level · Physical Education
Course version: 7582 · Version from Sept 2016
Efficiency of information processing to include:: Temporal.
Temporal anticipation is the prediction of when an event or action will occur, as opposed to spatial anticipation, which predicts where it will occur.
Checked against the AQA 7582 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 18 of 30
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Temporal anticipation is the prediction of when an event or action will occur, as opposed to spatial anticipation, which predicts where it will occur. In AQA A-level Physical Education, temporal anticipation is studied within the efficiency of information processing because predicting the timing of a stimulus allows a performer to prepare and initiate a response at the correct moment. A cricket batter who begins the backlift before the ball is released, or a goalkeeper who dives as the penalty taker strikes the ball, is using temporal anticipation. It depends on detecting timing cues, such as the rhythm of an opponent's movement or the speed of an approaching ball, and on memory of similar past events. Accurate temporal anticipation reduces the processing time available for detection and decision making, allowing a better-timed response.
What earns the marks
- Temporal anticipation is the prediction of when an event or action will occur.
- Accurate temporal anticipation allows a performer to prepare and initiate a response at the correct moment.
- Examples include a cricket batter starting the backlift before ball release or a goalkeeper diving as the penalty is struck.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing temporal anticipation with spatial anticipation.
Put it right: Temporal concerns when an event happens, while spatial concerns where it happens.
Treating temporal anticipation as simply reacting quickly.
Put it right: It is a prediction of timing made before the event, not a response after it.
Assuming timing prediction is always accurate.
Put it right: Misjudging timing leads to early or late responses, which skilled opponents can exploit.
Ignoring the role of memory.
Put it right: Temporal anticipation depends on experience of similar situations, not only on current visual cues.
Exam tips
- State clearly that temporal anticipation predicts when, and contrast it directly with spatial anticipation predicting where.
- Support your answer with a named example where timing of the response is critical.
- Link temporal anticipation to reduced processing demands so the answer stays focused on efficiency of information processing.
Try the lesson
The start of the Efficiency of information processing to include:: Temporal. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
A tennis player predicts exactly when an opponent's serve will bounce in the service box to time their return swing. Which term describes this aspect of information processing?
Listen
Temporal anticipation is the prediction of when an event or action will occur, as opposed to spatial anticipation, which predicts where it will occur. In AQA A-level Physical Education, temporal anticipation is studied within the efficiency of information processing because predicting the timing of a stimulus allows a performer to prepare and initiate a response at the correct moment. A cricket batter who begins the backlift before the ball is released, or a goalkeeper who dives as the penalty taker strikes the ball, is using temporal anticipation. It depends on detecting timing cues, such as the rhythm of an opponent's movement or the speed of an approaching ball, and on memory of similar past events. Accurate temporal anticipation reduces the processing time available for detection and decision making, allowing a better-timed response. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Temporal anticipation is the prediction of when an event or action will occur. Accurate temporal anticipation allows a performer to prepare and initiate a response at the correct moment. Examples include a cricket batter starting the backlift before ball release or a goalkeeper diving as the penalty is struck. Exam tip: State clearly that temporal anticipation predicts when, and contrast it directly with spatial anticipation predicting where.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Temporal anticipation
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Spatial anticipation
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Timing cues
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Information processing
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See every definition
- Temporal anticipation
- The prediction of when an event or action will occur, as opposed to spatial anticipation, which predicts where it will occur.
- Spatial anticipation
- The prediction of where an event or action will occur, contrasted with temporal anticipation, which predicts when it will occur.
- Timing cues
- Signals such as the rhythm of an opponent's movement or the speed of an approaching ball that temporal anticipation depends on detecting.
- Information processing
- A process made more efficient by accurate temporal anticipation, which reduces the time needed for detection and decision making.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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