Development of Use of Vision between 8 and 16 yr. of Age on Performance of Slow Continuous and Fast Discrete Motor Tasks

Abstract

Two experiments, one involving walking, the other throwing, were conducted with boys 8, 12, and 16 yr. of age. The tasks involved viewing a distance to walk or throw, and then having to remember that distance before acting. The slow walking task showed no age effects; viewing and delay variables were constant across ages. The throwing task showed 16-yr.-olds to be superior to the other two age groups; different viewing and delay times had little effect on this older group. The 8- and 12-yr.-olds were affected by the viewing and delay conditions. The results are discussed with respect to task selection for developmental research.