An Internal Focus Leads to Longer Quiet Eye Durations in Novice Dart Players.

Sydney Querfurth,Karen Zentgraf,Marc H E De Lussanet,Linda Schücker

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00633

Abstract

While the benefits of both an external focus of attention (FOA) and of a longer quiet eye (QE) duration have been well researched in a wide range of sporting activities, little is known about the interaction of these two phenomena and how a potential interaction might influence performance. It was this study’s aim to investigate the interaction and potential effect on performance by using typical FOA instructions in a dart throwing task and examining both the QE and performance outcome. The results replicate neither the benefit of an external FOA nor the benefit of a longer QE duration. However, an interaction was observed, as QE was prolonged by an earlier onset and later offset in the internal focus condition only. As the typical effect of a performance benefit due to an external focus could not be replicated, the interaction must be interpreted with caution. The results are discussed and interpreted in light of the inhibition hypothesis and possible avenues for future research are suggested.

Highlights

Attention is a complex, voluntary and selective process that has a limited capacity (Vickers, 2007; Gazzaniga et al, 2009)
The second ANOVA revealed no significant difference between the blocks [F(3,57) = 0.94, p = 0.43, η2 = 0.05] indicating that performance did not change in the course of the experiment as a function of experience
In the case of quiet eye (QE) duration, for example, a high negative correlation would suggest that longer QE durations were associated with shorter distances from the bull’s eye, a high positive correlation that longer QE durations were associated with farther distances from the bull’s eye and no correlation suggests there is no connection between QE and throwing performance

Summary

Introduction

Voluntary and selective process that has a limited capacity (Vickers, 2007; Gazzaniga et al, 2009). We can distinguish two different types of attention: The overt attention, which can be measured by head- or eye movements, or the covert attention, which is a shift in attention that cannot be observed and is purely mental (Posner, 1980). It is possible for these two systems to be controlled and shifted separately from each other (Posner, 1980; Posner and Raichle, 1994). It is important to fully understand visual abilities and attention in order to help athletes achieve their full potential

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