6.1 SPORT PSYCHOLOGY: Personality

Question 1

Trait theory:

Answer 1

Individuals are born with innate characteristics, called traits, that stay the same in different situations. It attempts to predict behaviour.
E.g: An extrovert basketball player will behave in an extrovert manner when training and playing, as well as in daily life by being loud and opinionated.

Question 2

The social learning approach:

Answer 2

Suggests behaviour is learned from from significant others by socialisation.
We learn from those we hold in high self esteem:
-role models
-friends
-parents
We copy successful behaviour shown to us consistently.

Question 3

Socialisation:

Answer 3

Developing personality traits by associating and learning from others.

Question 4

Social learning theory: Bandura

Answer 4

We learn our behaviour by this process:

Observe-Identify-Reinforce-Copy

Question 5

The interactionist perspective:

Answer 5

A theory which combines trait and social learning to predict behaviour in a specific situation.

• born traits are adapted according to the situation
• aspects of personality are developed and sportsmen and women can be influenced by both genetic and environmental influences.

Question 6

Lewin Approach to Personality:

Answer 6

Lewin (1935) suggested that the interactionist approach is explained by the formula: B=f(P x E), where behaviour is a function of personality and the environment.

Question 7

The Hollander approach to interactionist theory:

Answer 7

Suggested that personality is made up of three features:
- the core:
values and beliefs of the individual
- typical responses
the use of inherent traits displayed to specific situations
-role related behaviour
suggests that the performer might adopt or adapt to a very specific role when the situation demands it.
The more the environment has an influence influence, the more behaviour is likely to change.

Question 8

Credulous approach:

Answer 8

When the link between personality and behaviour is accepted.

Question 9

Sceptical approach:

Answer 9

When the link between personality and behaviour is doubted.

Question 10

How does knowledge of the interactionist perspective improve performance?

Answer 10

• the coach could predict any potential aggressive behaviour and sub the player, avoiding a possible red card.
• the coach could try to change player behaviour by encouraging players to adapt to specific circumstances. If a player is nervous about taking a penalty the coach can offer comforting advice so the player is more in control from then on.
• the coach could recreate situations during training to allow the player to become familiar to them so they cope better in games. A nervous performer could train in front of a crowd.