Motor Behavior Laboratory
The Motor Behavior Lab is directed by Dr. Fairbrother who teaches courses in motor behavior, and expert performance in sports. The focus of the Lab is directed towards identifying and understanding the factors that mediate motor performance, the learning of motor skills, and the control of goal-directed actions. Research is conducted to test hypotheses, develop theory-based knowledge that applies to practical settings, and solve practical problems related to goal-directed actions and skills. Past projects have included the forensic analysis of a portable playpen collapse, an examination of the relationship between age and swimming performance, and several studies investigating the effects of practice schedule on the performance and learning of motor skills.
Research Areas
Skill Acquisition, Performance, & Learning
- Practice Schedule Effects
- Task Switching
- Repeated Retention Testing
Expertise
- Visual Attention and Kinematics in Surfing
- Aging and Expert Sports Performance
Facilities & Equipment
The Motor Behavior Laboratory is housed in Rooms 129 and 135A of the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation (HPER) Building. The lab contains a variety of equipment for measuring motor performance and learning in both laboratory and field settings. A partial list includes:
- Arrington Research Eye-Tracker
- Video-Based Motion Analysis System
- Computer Testing Stations with E-Prime
- Stabilometer
- Bassin Anticipation Timer
- Digitizing Tablets
- Impulse Transfer/Linear Slide Apparatus
To see photos of the equipment, click here.
Applications
Information about the graduate program in Motor Behavior, assistantship opportunities, and applications are located on the University of Tennessee Sport Studies Website (http://web.utk.edu/~sals/grad/SS.html).
Contacts
Graduate Applications
Margy Wirtz
(865) 974-7154
mwirtz@utk.edu
Motor Behavior Lab
Jeffrey T. Fairbrother, Ph.D.
865) 974-3616
jfairbr1@utk.edu
Please contact Dr. Fairbrother if you are interested in the Motor Behavior program, would like to discuss a possible collaboration, or are in need of consulting services.
Other ESLS Laboratories
Contact CEHHS
335 Claxton Complex
1122 Volunteer Boulevard
Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Phone: 865-974-2201
Fax: 865-974-8718