Aggression

Question 1

Explain using appropriate psychological theories, the possible causes of aggressive behaviour during sporting contests and suggest strategies that a coach could use to develop the assertive behaviour of a performer (14 marks)

Answer 1

Theories of Aggression
A. Instinct (Theory)/Trait (Theory)
B. Aggression is innate/born with aggressive traits
C. Aggression builds up and has to be released
D. Displacement theory/individuals wait for acceptable time to be aggressive, eg sport
E. Cathartic effect/catharsis
F. Frustration-Aggression (Hypothesis/theory)
G. Blocked goal causes frustration
H. Frustration causes aggression
I. Release of aggression has cathartic effect/catharsis J. Aggressive Cue (Hypothesis)/Cue Arousal (Theory) K. Frustration builds but aggression only released when socially desirable cue present, eg referee can’t see you/coach encourages you to be aggressive L. Social Learning (Theory) M. Aggression in learnt by observing and copying others/Vicarious experience N. Reinforcement causes behaviour to be repeated/or appropriate applied example Strategies to develop assertive behaviour O. Punish aggressive acts/fine player/drop for next match or equiv P. Develop player’s code of conduct/promote fair play Q. Remove from situation/change position/substitution/change tactics R. Encourage peer support/group pressure S. Give role of responsibility/set performance goals/process goals T. Highlight non-aggressive/positive role models U. Reduce importance of event/avoid ‘win at all cost’ attitude V. Stress management techniques/accept named examples W. Rewards/positive reinforcement for assertive play X. Develop fitness levels

Question 2

Discuss the social learning theory of aggression. (3 marks)

Answer 2

Aggressive behaviours are learned
Non- aggressive behaviours can also be learned
Through observation/copying/modelling
Observation of realistic events more likely to affect learning
Observation of more high status/role models/performer significant other
Imitation more likely if learner thinks behaviour will be reinforced.
Or thinks it will not be punished e.g approved by team mates/coach/audience/behaviour goes unpunished.

Question 3

In order to achieve optimal performance, sports performers need to control certain psychological factors such as aggression.
(ii) What can a referee do to control aggression during a major sporting competition? (4 marks)

Answer 3

Talking to/pre-warning players
Apply rules properly/correctly/fairly
Punish aggressive behaviour
Immediate sanctions
Be consistent in judgements/sanctions.

Question 4

Explain the terms aggression and instrumental aggression.

Answer 4

A. (aggression) intent to harm B. (aggression) outside laws/rules
C. (aggression) cause physical or emotional harm D. (aggression) has to actually occur E. (instrumental aggression) within the laws/rules F. (instrumental aggression) harm or injury is accidental
G. (instrumental aggression) used to achieve another goal/goal directed

Question 5

Without using the frustration aggression theory. Use other theories of aggression to explain the weaknesses of the frustration-aggression hypothesis. [4 marks]

Answer 5

A. Not all frustration leads to aggression B. Not all aggression is the result of frustration C. No allowance for situation/environment D. Cue-arousal theory/aggressive cue hypothesis suggests aggression occurs when specific cues are present E. Instinct/Trait Theory suggests aggression is innate F. Instinct/Trait Theory suggests built up energy has to be released/cathartic effect G. Social learning Theory/Observational Learning suggests behaviour is copied from others.