Question

Balan and Davis (1993) have outlined four steps to use when employing ecological task analysis (both as a method of assessment and a method of instruction). Please identify and then briefly outline each of these steps.

Answer 1

Ecological task analysis is the analysis of the movement pattern development andbehaviours based on the application of dynamical biological and physical systems.
Ecological task analysis involves four stels :

1. establishing a goal : the therapist or instructor needs to set a clear and specific goal that will lead to generation and development of a movement. The goals should be directed to bring about a meaningful movement
2. Allow choices for movement solutions : when the goal is set and clearly understood by the client, the therapist should allow the client to make choices for how to develop and carry out a movement as to achieve the goal.
3. Manipulation of performer, environmental or task variables : Performer, environmental and task variables are control variables which when manipulated or altered can cause change in movement.
4. Instructions : therapist or instructor should provide instructions only after the client has made choice of movement solutions. The instructions provided helps the client to construct better choices of movement solutions which bring more skillful and meaningful movement pattern.