Effects of Prlor Processlng on Judging Gynnastlcs

Abstract

<p>Three experiments are reported that examined the lnfluence of prior judgements on implicit and expliclt tests of memory in gymnastic judging. The rationale was that if gymnastlc Judging ls affected by the memory for prior eplsodes, then the accuracy of judgements should change as a result of the prior episode. The results of Experiment 1 revealed that perceptual judgements dlffered as a functlon of an item's relationship between the study phase and the perceptual test phase. Moves that had the same performance ln both phases resulted ln the hlghest level of accuracy (M = 79%). New moves were less accurate (M = 75%). The lowest level of accuracy was achieved for items where the performance was altered between study and the perceptual test (M = 72%) . Similarly, recognition judgements differed as a functlon of an item's relationship between the study phase and recognition test phase. Novlce and expert Judges revealed similar memory lnfluences for perceptual and recognition Judgements (Experiment 1). Memory influences were reduced, but still evident when subjects were given prior knowledge of these effects and procedural changes were adopted (Experiment 2). Spacing of repetitions dld not enhance prior processlng effects of perceptual Judgements, but superior retention was noted for spaced repetitions in the recognition test phase (Experiment 3). These findings are discussed in terms of memory influences on subjective experience and the practical implications of Judges' exposure to an athlete's performance prlor to competition.</p>