A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Functions of Observational Learning with Disability Sports Participants

RM 218

Observation is a common way to learn new skills through either watching others or oneself. The Functions of Observational Learning Questionnaire (FOLQ) was developed by Cumming and colleagues (2005) which determines three reasons why people use observation: (a) skill, (b) strategy, and (c) performance. In recent research with able-bodied athletes, it shows that they use the skill function most often, followed by the strategy then the performance function (e.g., Wesch et al., 2007). While most research has focused on ablebodied athletes, there has been little research done on other populations such as athletes with physical disabilities and their reasons for using observation. As such, there is uncertainty to whether athletes with physical disabilities use observation in a similar manner as able-bodied athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to determine the reasons as to why and how athletes with physical disabilities use observation. This will be determined through the use of the FOLQ as well as interview questions which will provide an in-depth perception of the reasoning behind the use of observation within the disability sport population. The analysis of 36 participants (Mage = 36.9; SD = 17.34), indicated similar results from previous research. At the present time, answers to interviews are being analyzed to determine themes. The results from the FOLQ and interviews will be discussed as well as directions for future research.