Aggression in sport

Question 1

Aggression + assertion definition

Answer 1

1. The intent to harm or injure outside the rules of the game
2. Assertion is forceful behaviour within the laws of an event

Question 2

State the 4 aggression theories

Answer 2

1. Instinct theory of aggression
2. Frustration-aggression hypothesis
3. Social learning theory
4. Aggressive cue hypothesis

Question 3

Instinct theory of aggression

Answer 3

• views aggression as being a natural response, innate and instinctive
• animalistic
• humans developed aggression as a survival instinct

Question 4

Frustration-aggression hypothesis

Answer 4

• frustration will always lead to aggression
• any blocking of goals that an individual is trying to reach increases an individuals drive, thus increasing aggression and frustration
• if success follows then aggression leads to catharsis

Question 5

Social learning theory

Answer 5

• aggression is learned by observation of others behaviour
• imitation of this aggressive behaviour is then reinforced by social acceptance
• if player sees team mate fouling an opponent and this stops them from playing well, it is reinforced and copied

Question 6

Aggressive cue hypothesis

Answer 6

• for aggression to occur certain stimuli mist be present
• these stimuli are cues for the performer which are subconsciously linked to aggression eg baseball bats
• frustration causes anger and arousal and this creates a readiness for aggression