Expertise development in sport: contributions under cognitive psychology perspective

Abstract

The aim of this paper has been that of revising and updating research about expertise development in sport under the cognitive psychology approach. At first, the structure of sport action in open contexts is analysed, differentiating cognitive and execution components. Secondly, having as a reference frame Anderson’s cognitive theory, it is possible to remark the importance of the process of building knowledge as a forerunner variable of ability. Finally, the most relevant and consistent findings about the role of knowledge, technical ability and experience are exposed, as well as their inter-relation effect. Departing from the current state of this matter, the necessity to propose new studies deepening about this area of investigation is suggested, especially about the characterization of practice quality that may contribute to the development of sport ability.