Shahid Beheshti University Sports Psychology 2676-3729 Articles in Press 2023 05 07 The effect of observational learning on visual search pattern and performance in free-throw basketball of novices: investigating the role of gaze guidance The effect of observational learning on visual search pattern and performance in free-throw basketball of novices: investigating the role of gaze guidance 103475 10.48308/mbsp.2023.230805.1184 FA Alireza Farsi Professor of Shahid Beheshti University Ali Nasri PhD student, Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences in Sports, Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. Journal Article 2023 02 21 Purpose: Modeling of observation-based training provides a method for beginners who can prepare to acquire different skills and perform tasks under pressure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of observational learning with gaze guidance on the performance of basketball free throws in novices.<br /><br />Methods: A sample of 24 participants with a mean age of 26.37 ± 3.12 were randomly divided into two observation groups, one with gaze guidance and one without, along with physical training. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess the participants' visual search model and basketball free-throw skills. The participants underwent five consecutive days of observational learning with and without gaze guidance, followed by physical training. The eye tracking data were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA of 2 (group) x 3 (measurement stage) at a significance level of 0.05.<br /><br />Results: It indicated that the group with gaze guidance during observational learning performed better, as evidenced by a lower number of fixations, longer fixation duration, and improved performance compared to the group without gaze guidance.<br /><br />Conclusion: The findings suggest that gaze guidance is crucial for effective observational learning in motor skills, as individuals may not fully comprehend information-rich areas without guidance. Purpose: Modeling of observation-based training provides a method for beginners who can prepare to acquire different skills and perform tasks under pressure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of observational learning with gaze guidance on the performance of basketball free throws in novices.<br /><br />Methods: A sample of 24 participants with a mean age of 26.37 ± 3.12 were randomly divided into two observation groups, one with gaze guidance and one without, along with physical training. Pre- and post-tests were conducted to assess the participants' visual search model and basketball free-throw skills. The participants underwent five consecutive days of observational learning with and without gaze guidance, followed by physical training. The eye tracking data were analyzed using a mixed ANOVA of 2 (group) x 3 (measurement stage) at a significance level of 0.05.<br /><br />Results: It indicated that the group with gaze guidance during observational learning performed better, as evidenced by a lower number of fixations, longer fixation duration, and improved performance compared to the group without gaze guidance.<br /><br />Conclusion: The findings suggest that gaze guidance is crucial for effective observational learning in motor skills, as individuals may not fully comprehend information-rich areas without guidance. https://mbsp.sbu.ac.ir/article_103475_ea3096324d05e3714d878e021420015f.pdf