General information processing model, to include:: Perception.

The idea

Perception is the stage of the general information processing model in which the brain interprets the sensory information it has received, giving it meaning before a decision is made. In AQA A-Level Physical Education, perception sits between input and decision making, so a performer first detects a stimulus such as a ball leaving a server's hand, then interprets what that stimulus means. Interpretation depends on the senses, attention and prior experience: an experienced tennis player reads the server's toss and racket path and perceives an attacking serve, whereas a novice may perceive only a moving ball. Perception is therefore selective and can be improved through practice and cue recognition.

What earns the marks

• Perception is the interpretation of sensory information, giving detected stimuli meaning.
• Perception depends on the senses, attention and prior experience or stored memory.
• Selective attention allows a performer to focus on relevant cues and ignore irrelevant ones.
• Improved perception develops through practice, exposure to game situations and cue recognition.
• A sporting example: reading a server's toss and racket path to perceive an attacking serve.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing perception with detection.

  Put it right: Detection is the sense organs receiving a stimulus, whereas perception is the brain interpreting that stimulus and giving it meaning.

• Treating perception as identical to decision making.

  Put it right: Perception interprets the stimulus, while decision making selects the response.

• Assuming perception is purely physical.

  Put it right: It also relies on attention, memory and experience, so two performers can perceive the same stimulus differently.

• Believing perception cannot be trained.

  Put it right: Repeated practice and cue exposure improve a performer's ability to read relevant information.

Exam tips

• Link perception explicitly to the model by naming the stage before it (input) and the stage after it (decision making).
• Use a named sporting example and state what the performer perceives, not just that they see something.
• When asked to improve perception, refer to practice, selective attention and cue recognition rather than only fitness training.