General information processing model, to include:: Input.

The idea

Input is the first stage of the general information processing model in A-level Physical Education. It refers to the information a performer receives from the environment through the senses before it is interpreted and acted upon. Input can come from external sources, such as seeing a ball or hearing a whistle, or from internal sources, such as proprioception detecting limb position. The quality of input depends on attention and the sensitivity of the sensory systems. For example, a cricket batter must detect the ball's speed, direction and spin as input before selecting a shot. Without effective input, later stages of decision making and output are compromised.

What earns the marks

• Input is the first stage of the general information processing model.
• Input is information received by the performer from the environment.
• Input is gathered through the senses, including vision, audition, touch, proprioception and balance.
• Input can be external, such as a ball or an opponent, or internal, such as muscle position.
• Input provides the raw data that is later interpreted during perception and decision making.
• Effective input depends on attention and the sensitivity of the relevant sensory receptors.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing input with perception.

  Put it right: Input is the raw sensory data, while perception is the interpretation of that data.

• Thinking input only comes from external sources.

  Put it right: Internal sources such as proprioception also provide input.

• Believing input is the same as decision making.

  Put it right: Decision making occurs after input has been processed.

• Assuming input is always accurate.

  Put it right: It can be limited by attention, sensory acuity or environmental conditions.

Exam tips

• Link input to a specific sporting example, such as a tennis player seeing the ball and feeling the racket grip.
• Use correct terminology: state that input is detected by sensory receptors and transmitted to the central nervous system.
• When answering multiple-choice questions, eliminate options that describe later stages such as decision making or output.