Episode 3

Unlocking Expertise: The Science Behind Skill Acquisition and Decision Making

In this episode, Martin talks to Professor Mark Williams, a leading authority on the acquisition and development of expertise. They discuss skill acquisition, the role of experience and purposeful practice. They also explore the use of simulators, the unique challenges of maintaining skills in high-stress environments and the importance of evidence-based practices in improving performance.

Guest, Cast & Crew

Mark Williams is one of the world’s leading authorities on expertise and its acquisition in sport. He also has experience in military settings, law enforcement, aviation and medicine. He has worked in a range of academic institutions in the UK and US, including Liverpool John Moores University, University of Sydney, University of Utah and Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. 

Hosted by Martin Jones https://www.ophp.co.uk 

Edited by Bess Manley

Resources

• Mark’s email [email protected]
• Mark’s bio https://psych.utah.edu/people/adjunct-faculty/mark-williams.php 
• Mark’s popular science book  ‘The Best: How Elite Athletes Are Made’ by Mark Williams & Tim Wigmore. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-How-Champions-Are-Made/dp/1529304350 
• Anders Ericsson book ‘Peak’ https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/peak-book-anders-ericsson-9780099598473?sku=NGR9780099598473&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA6t-6BhA3EiwAltRFGH4MHwz8Nh2GQplRBPtVnN6yaRXD6UzINU6KWmIItYhW4YxiIgxVyxoCM8QQAvD_BwE 

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Chapters

00:54 Mark's Research Interests and Career Journey

02:59 Diving into Decision Making in High-Stress Situations

06:21 The 10,000 Hours Rule and Expertise

12:13 The Role of Simulators and VR in Training

16:44 Transferability of Skills Across Domains

23:43 Maintaining and Developing Skills

28:36 The Neuroscience of Learning and Muscle Development

29:32 Skill Atrophy in Different Domains

30:46 Deliberate Practice and Skill Maintenance

31:41 Repetition vs. Specificity in Training

33:02 Stress and Performance in High-Stakes Environments

35:12 Talent Identification and Development

42:11 Task Generic vs. Task Specific Cognitive Skills

44:42 Optimizing Learning Environments with Technology

51:15 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practice

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This podcast is for people who can’t afford to fail. Each episode gives you practical, evidence‑based tools you can apply in the real world.

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