Dataset for External Focus Benefits Depend on Action-Effect Contingencies Formed During Motor Skill Training

Description This project contains the data and analysis files for the research article titled "External Focus Benefits Depend on Action-Effect Contingencies Formed During Motor Skill Training" by William M. Land, Reza Abdollahipour, and Kevin Becker. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2026.103087 Study Overview: This study investigates whether the performance benefits associated with an external focus of attention are dependent on learned associations between an action and its sensory consequences (i.e., action-effect contingencies). The experiment tested the hypothesis that limiting the development of these associations during practice would diminish the advantages of an external focus. Methodology: Participants: N = 64 (30 males, 34 females). Task: Underhand ball-tossing task to a target at 16 feet (trained) and 20.5 feet (transfer). Experimental Design: Participants were assigned to one of two training groups: Full Feedback (FF): Trained with complete visual and auditory feedback to allow for the development of action-effect relationships. Limited Feedback (LF): Trained with occluded visual and auditory feedback immediately following ball release. Testing: Following two days of practice, participants performed the task under three attentional focus conditions: External Focus (flight of the ball), Internal Focus (movement of the arm), and Control. Variables Included in Dataset: The dataset includes kinematic outcome measures derived from 3D motion tracking: Accuracy: Mean Radial Error (MRE). Bias: Subject-Centroid Radial Error (SRE). Consistency: Bivariate Variable Error (BVE). Contact: William M. Land University of Texas at San Antonio Email: William.land@utsa.edu.