Physical education teachers and trainers are tasked with imparting movement skills to students accurately and systematically. To achieve this objective, they must employ methods and principles that foster optimal learning within the shortest duration possible. One commonly utilized method for teaching skills is observational learning (OB). Observational learning involves a perceptual process wherein the learner endeavors to imitate skill-related information by observing, receiving, processing, analyzing, and ultimately replicating it (
1). In the past, the acquisition and learning of motor skills were believed to stem solely from physical training. However, evidence has indicated a connection between certain physiological-neural processes, action, and observation. This suggests that the representation of modern alone or in conjunction with physical exercise exerts a greater influence on learning movement skills (
2).
According to Bandura's theory, also known as the theory of cognitive mediation individuals, after observing a pattern, translate movement-related information into symbolic memory codes. These codes create a mental image in memory, prompting the brain to review and organize the aforementioned information. The memory image serves as a guide for skill implementation and as a criterion for identifying and rectifying errors (
3). Bandura delineates observational learning into four stages: Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation. Additionally, Sally and Newell (
4), in their perspective on visual perception, highlight that the human visual system reduces information concerning the situational characteristics of observed actions and directly receives it. Human beings proficiently link perception and action when receiving this information about relative movements, as it is crucial in forming a coordinated pattern. Skill demonstration can occur through live and non-live models; the latter includes video displays, markers, or skeletal displays (
5).
Several studies have demonstrated that the utilization of video modeling enhances the learning of skill movements, such as gymnastics (
6), tennis serves (
7), and weightlifting snatch movements (
8). This method allows players to observe correct techniques and analyze them (
9). Moreover, it enables the identification and learning from others' mistakes (
10).
Numerous studies have explored visual learning and the utilization of live and video demonstrations. Some have examined the impact of observing living and non-living patterns on the acquisition and learning of motor tasks (
1), while others have focused on comparing same-age models to the observer and assessing the effect of peer versus non-peer models on motor skill learning rates (
11). Over recent decades, researchers have investigated the impact of models' skill levels on skill acquisition. For instance, Andrieux et al (
12). Demonstrated that observing both beginner and expert models enhances memory retention over time. Researchers have also compared various methods of video presentation, such as animated models, still images, and combinations, on the acquisition of specific skills (
13).
Moreover, Guadagnoli and Lee (
14) argue that factors like the nature of the task, practice conditions, and the learner's experience can influence the amount of information extracted from observing live and video models. Researchers have even considered the duration of the demonstration model's presentation and the delay in imitation. For example, Ghandehari Alavijeh et al.'s (
15) research focused on the effect of immediate, periodic, and combined imitation exercises on the performance and motor learning of 9-12-year-old kata girl. Their study investigated the acquisition and learning of kata karate under conditions where the movement pattern was immediately repeated after each observation, repeated multiple times post-observation, or a combination of both methods. The results indicated that immediate imitation had a greater impact on skill acquisition and learning. Gender differences in modeling have also been examined by researchers. For instance d'Arripe-Longueville's (
16) study comparing same-sex and opposite-sex role models within peer groups revealed gender discrepancies, showing a greater impact in opposite-gender role modeling, affecting the number of training attempts.
Aligned with these inquiries, this research aims to investigate the impact of live and video models of the same and opposite sexes on the acquisition and learning of basketball dribbling and shooting skills. This study seeks to determine whether different role models of opposite sexes affect the learning. Can video modeling of skills have a significant effect on learning and skill acquisition? Which method of demonstration of skills (live or video) is more effective? Is the impact of gender difference greater in live or video pattern?