Perceptual Decision Making for Baseball Pitch Recognition: Using P300 Latency and Amplitude to Index Attentional Processing |
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| Authors: | Steven J. Radlo Christopher M. Janelle Douglas A. Barba Shane G. Frehlich |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Physical Education , Western Illinois University , USA;2. Department of Exercise and Sport Sciences , University of Florida , USA;3. Department of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences , San Diego State University , USA;4. Department of Exercise Science and Sport Studies , State University of New York–Cortland , USA |
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| Abstract: | Abstract This study was designed to examine the perceptual and attentional processes associated with the effects of administering a cost-benefit precuing paradigm to intermediate and advance-level baseball batters. Psychophysiological and performance data obtained from 10 advanced and 10 intermediate-level players were compared. A total of 400 pitches (200 fastballs, 200 curveballs) was randomly presented via a large projection screen, and participants pressed one of two buttons to indicate the type of pitch thrown. Verbal precues were given for 300 of the pitches. Of those, 75% were valid, and 25% were invalid. Electroencephalographic data collected from the Pz location was used to assess the latency and amplitude of P300. Analysis of variance (Skill Level x Precue x Pitch) for P300 and reaction time (RT) indicated that intermediate batters produced shorter P300 latencies, larger P300 amplitudes, longer RTs, and less correct responses than the advanced batters; the effects were more pronounced for the curveballs. These results suggest that intermediate batters are less efficient in their perceptual decision-making processes due to greater limitations in attentional capacity when compared with advanced batters. |
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| Keywords: | event-related potentials cost-benefit precuing |
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