Manchester Metropolitan University logo
e-space
Manchester Metropolitan University's Research Repository

    Working memory, attentional control, and expertise in sports: a review of current literature and directions for future research

    Furley, P and Wood, GW (2016) Working memory, attentional control, and expertise in sports: a review of current literature and directions for future research. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 5 (4). pp. 415-425. ISSN 2211-3681

    [img]
    Preview
    		 Accepted Version
    Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.
    Download (242kB) | Preview

    Abstract

    The aim of the present review was to investigate the theoretical framework of working memory as it relates to the control of attention in sport and thereby apply cognitive psychological theory to sports, but also use the sports domain to advance cognitive theory. We first introduce dual-process theories as an overarching framework for attention-related research in sports. Then a central mechanism is highlighted how working memory is involved in the control of attention in sports by reviewing research demonstrating that the activated contents in working memory control the focus of attention. The second part of the paper reviews literature showing that working memory capacity is an important individual difference variable that is predictive of controlling attention in a goal-directed manner and avoiding distraction and interference in sports. Finally, we address the question whether differences in working memory capacity contribute to sport expertise.

    Item Type: Article
    Peer-reviewed: Yes
    Date Deposited: 20 Jun 2016 08:41
    Publisher: Elsevier
    Additional Information: This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript provided by Elsevier of a paper accepted for publication in Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition.
    Divisions: Faculties > Science and Engineering
    Research Centres > Musculoskeletal Sciences & Sport Medicine
    Subject terms: Attention, Attentional control, Expertise, Working Memory Capacity, Social Sciences, Psychology, Experimental, Psychology, Dual-process, Working memory, Attention, Sport, Individual differences, DUAL-PROCESS THEORIES, INATTENTIONAL BLINDNESS, VISUAL-ATTENTION, MOTOR SKILL, DELIBERATE PRACTICE, AUTOMATIC GUIDANCE, PERFORMANCE, CAPACITY, ACQUISITION, KNOWLEDGE, 1701 Psychology, 1702 Cognitive Sciences
    URI: https://e-space.mmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/613666
    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jarmac.2016.05.001
    ISSN 2211-3681

    Impact and Reach

    Statistics

    DownloadsShow export options
    Activity Overview
    6 month trend
    2,927Downloads
    6 month trend
    337Hits

    Additional statistics for this dataset are available via IRStats2.

    Altmetric

    Repository staff only

    Edit record Edit record