Question 1: Define 'information processing' in the context of sports and physical activity.

Answer: Information processing is the series of steps the brain takes to interpret sensory information, make decisions, and coordinate responses during physical activity.

Question 2: List the three main stages of the information processing model used in sport.

Answer: The three main stages are input, processing, and output.

Question 3: Explain how sensory receptors contribute to the input stage of information processing during a football game.

Answer: Sensory receptors detect external stimuli, such as the position of the ball or movement of opponents, and send signals to the brain for interpretation.

Question 4: Describe the role of the central nervous system in decision-making during a sprint start.

Answer: The central nervous system processes sensory information and quickly decides the optimal muscle actions needed to start the sprint effectively.

Question 5: Identify two factors that can affect the speed of information processing in athletes.

Answer: Factors include fatigue and level of experience or skill.

Question 6: Explain the concept of reaction time and how it impacts athletic performance.

Answer: Reaction time is the interval between perceiving a stimulus and responding to it; shorter reaction times can lead to quicker responses, which is advantageous in sports.

Question 7: Describe how anticipation can improve an athlete’s response during a game.

Answer: Anticipation allows athletes to predict opponents' actions based on cues, enabling quicker and more effective responses.

Question 8: Draw a flowchart illustrating the stages of the information processing model in sport. Include labels for each stage and brief descriptions.

Answer: A correct flowchart would show: 1. Input (sensory receptors detect stimuli), 2. Processing (brain interprets data), 3. Output (muscle response). Each stage should be connected with arrows and include brief descriptions.

Question 9: Sketch a simple diagram of a typical sensory receptor involved in detecting muscle stretch during exercise. Label the receptor and its function.

Answer: A correct sketch would depict a muscle spindle receptor within a muscle, labeled accordingly, with an annotation indicating it detects muscle stretch.

Question 10: Discuss the importance of quick information processing in preventing injuries during high-speed sports.

Answer: Fast processing allows athletes to react swiftly to hazards, such as an opponent's movement, reducing the risk of collisions or falls.