Gareth wrote:Silk wrote:I'm simply challenging the position that it's only the outputs that matter. To me, that's fundamentally flawed for a number of reasons that I've already given. If it's obvious that an output isn't working quite right, then it's logical to look for a problem with the input.
Good point, but the question is
when you need to consider the inputs. Do you need to consider the inputs if the outputs are good? If so, why?
And, given the motorcycling example I gave earlier, how do you actually assess the outputs?
I'll give you a specific motorcycling example, where there needs to be a specific test requirement for a particular motorcycle control skill:
In the old 'Blue Book' m/c Roadcraft, there was no mention of how to steer a motorcycle, from memory the wording was along the lines of 'simply lean'. In actual fact, that is tosh, a bike's (whether pedal or motor) turn is initiated by counter-steering - a brief and slight initial turn of the handlebars (and so front wheel) in
the opposite direction to that which you wish to go.
By and large, riders got around corners by leaning. Huh? Haven't I just said they couldn't? What they actually did was to move their upper body to one side (to try and 'lean' the bike) - but accidentally pressed forwards on that end of the bar . . . so initiating the turn.
The problem comes when you wish to make a very immediate turn, such as has been introduced in the last couple of years to UK bike testing, with a 'swerve' manoeuvre. Cue riders now being taught how to steer . . . A classic example of where police influence at the higher echelons of UK training has held us back compared to much of the rest of the world - but, worse still, potentially to the lives of many motorcyclists who weren't taught how to steer a bike (and so may have run wide in corners etc.) because "it isn't in Roadcraft".
Now, returning to input - output.
You can steer 'accidentally', and [usually] achieve a turn.
Or:
You could 'pull back' on the 'outside' bar end.
You could press 'forwards' on the 'inside' bar end.
But how will I, as an assessor following that rider, know?
Anything posted by 'Horse' may be (C) Malcolm Palmer. Please ask for permission before considering any copying or re-use outside of forum posting.