Current social learning theory proposes that motor skill information which is acquired by means of observational strategies is stored cognitively in the form of a conceptual representation. The latter is then said to be used as a basis for response production and as a standard for response corrections which occur as a function of performance…

A brief history of research in sport psychology based on Lander's (1982) analysis is presented. A systematic approach to theory building is offered. Previous methodological inadequacies are identified using examples of observational learning and anxiety. (Author/DF)

Aspects of information feedback and practice conditions were studied to gain insight into processes underlying the observational learning of motor skills. A major purpose was to test whether subjects observing a practice variability strategy would perform better than those observing a model practicing under constant conditions. (Authors/PP)