The measurement of action imagery ability

Content of the research project: Action imagery designates the imagination of ones own movements without actually executing the movements. Its systematic and repetitive use in action imagery practice is supposed to improve performance in a similar way as action execution practice. For instance, you may imagine several times how to step on the gas pedal and release the clutch lever to learn to drive a car. People are assumed to differ in their ability to use action imagery. It is important to know about individual strength or weaknesses in action imagery ability to predict subsequent performance improvements. However, objective testing methods have not been validated yet. Mostly, questionnaires have been used which are prone to subjective biases. Research question: The present project aims to develop objective measures of action imagery ability. Several testing methods will be investigated on their suitability to assess action imagery ability. It will be investigated whether the testing methods i) differentiate significantly between individuals, ii) result in data patterns that would be supported by the existing action imagery literature, iii) differ between subjects with particular expertise in action execution and subjects without particular expertise, iv) indicate a lack of action imagery ability in young children, and v) predict performance improvements. Methods: In the first series of experiments, a large pool of items will be investigated to select the most suitable items for further testing. In the second series, the subtests will be tested against each other and along with other personality questionnaires in a large sample of participants. In the third series, predictive validity will be tested in implicit motor learning and in subjects with expertise in action execution (e.g. experts in body rotations like high divers). In the developed testing methods, response accuracy and response times will be measured. Scientific innovation: Action imagery has the potential to enhance action execution across a range of populations and tasks, including music, sport and rehabilitation settings. Consequently, action imagery offers a valuable tool to researchers and practitioners in a range of action-related disciplines seeking to enhance motor performance. Because the measurement of action imagery ability is currently based on problematic self -report measures, the proposed project will develop alternative objective tests and examine their validity and reliability.