agression

Question 1

agression

Answer 1

• Intent to harm outside the rules
• Reactive
• Out of control
• Deliberate and hostile behaviour
• Eg: punching an opponent after a foul is a deliberate attempt to harm the opponent. The intent to harm was in the players head before the action was carried out

Question 2

assertion

Answer 2

• Well-motivated behaviour
• Generally within the rules.
• Controlled
• Goal directed
• Not intended to harm
• E.G - A hard but fair tackle in football. There is no original intent to harm each other, although injury may occur

Question 3

instrumental aggression

Answer 3

• has intent but is withing the rules
• boximg example
• It is within the rules to punch your opponent and there is also intent to harm
• The middle ground can occur when there is an aim or intent, but the action is within the rules or laws of the sport
• It is this middle ground that makes defining aggression and assertion difficult.

Question 4

instinct theory

Answer 4

• When aggression is spontaneous and innate.
• An evolutionary theory which claims we are born with an aggressive instinct that will surface with enough provocation
• Aggressive acts can come about which as a reaction to a bad foul, when the threat of injury is present or when defending yourself
• Problem with this theory: not all aggressive behaviour is reactive, some is learned and pre-intended/premeditated

Question 5

frustration agression hypothesis

Answer 5

• Aggression occurs when goals are blocked and the performer becomes frustrated.
• If a performer is prevented from achieving their aim, a buildup of frustration will lead to aggressive tendencies
• Build up frustration can be reduced if an aggressive act is initiated by the performer
• If a performer is unable to release this aggressive drive, a form of self punishment will occur and even more frustration, leading to an increased aggressive drive.

Question 6

catharsis

Answer 6

• The term for ‘letting off steam’ or a cleansing of emotions.
• It is argued that if the aggressive intent is given an outlet, aggressive drive will be reduced
• Linking back to frustration-aggression hypothesis, catharsis may be experienced once the frustrated player has a change to get rid of this
• More aggression may occur if the change to experience catharsis does not occur
• Not all frustration leads to aggression; some players can control their emotions, even when wound up → more experienced players
• Aggression = successful = Catharsis
• Aggression = unsuccessful = More frustration

Question 7

reasons why you might react with agression

catharsis

Answer 7

• Losing
• Poor play by you or your teammate
• Disagreement with referee
• A hostile crowd
• Pressure of success

Question 8

agression cue hypothesis

Answer 8

• Suggests that aggression is caused by a learned trigger.
• Also suggests that increased frustration will lead to increased arousal levels and a drive toward aggressive responses
• However such aggressive responses will only occur if certain learned ‘cues’ are present to act as stimulus
• Cues for aggressive acts may include;
• A sporting venue (such as the away pitch at your local rivales) , supporting equipment ( such as boxing gloves or bats) , other people within your sports (main rival)
• This theory doesn’t take into account that professional players have the ability/temperament to control their frustration and arousal.

Question 9

social learning theory

Answer 9

• Learning by associating with others and copying behaviour - when reward, same gender, role model or see live
• Behaviours can be copied from others, particularly if such behaviour is reinforced
• Observe – identify – reinforce – copy
• Bandura suggests that aggression is learned through the following process
• Aggression is learned from significant others or those we hold in high esteem.
• Live behaviours is more likely to be copied than recorded behaviour
• Aggressive behaviour is more likely to be copied if it is consistent, powerful and bright

Question 10

social learning theory but…

Answer 10

• Some aggression can be instructive and reactive, rather than being learned
• Some players react aggressively without being in a situation where they could observe and copy others

Question 11

preventing agression

Answer 11

• Aggression is not theoretically desirable in sports as it can cause injury, a loss of concentration and an increase in arousal and anxiety
• Coaches, players and the referee can all play a part in reducing aggression.
• They may do all or some of the following;
• Do not reinforce aggressive acts in training - coach & players
• Punish aggressive acts (e.g fines, red cards) - referee & national bodies
• Substitute aggressive players/remove situation - coach
• Talk to players to calm them down - coach & players
• Use mental rehearsal or relaxation to lower arousal - players
• Channel aggression into assertion - players
• Walk away from the situation - players
• Referees to apply the rules fairly and consistently - referee
• Set non aggressive goals - players & coaches
• Point out responsibilities to the team - coaches & players