AS Sport Psychology - Psychological Influences on the Individual

Question 1

Attitude Definition

Answer 1

A value aimed at an attitude objective

Question 2

How are Attitudes Formed?

Answer 2

Associating with others, picking up values and opinions from significant others - socialisation.
More likely to be learned if behaviour seen as successful and reinforced
Become familiar with attitudes and beliefs and see them as normal - familiarisation
Praise develops positive attitude to sport
Negative attitudes - negative role models or bad experience occurs (injury) or no reinforcement offered by the coach

Question 3

What are the 3 Components of Attitude? (CAB)

Answer 3

1. Cognitive part
   - A belief, such as a belief in the ability to win
2. Affective part
   - Relates to feelings and interpretation such as enjoyment
3. Behavioural part
   - The actions of the performer such as commitment to training

Question 4

Describe Cognitive Dissonance

Answer 4

New info given to performer to cause unease and motivate change in attitude
Done in 4 ways:
- New info or activity presented to performer - questions current attitude. Point out benefits of exercise or training method - challenge thinking
- Make activity fun, vary practice - more enjoyable. May change opinion if its more fun than they thought
- Use rewards and reinforcement - may increase turnout in training
- Bring specialist or role model player - increase participation

Question 5

Describe Persuasive Communication

Answer 5

Talking to change an attitude

• Needs to be relevant - message understood
• Person of high status - role model so impact of message is high
• Timing needs to be considered when giving message. After loss, player may not want to change attitude in the moment

Positive attitude maintains motivation - but personality and mood might mean its not possible to generate change