C14 - Aggression, Motivation + Social Facilitation Flashcards
1
Q
What is catharsis?
A
- The idea that releasing aggression through sport reduces future aggressive behavior.
- Linked to Instinct Theory (natural aggression needs to be released).
- E.g., a boxer letting out frustration in a controlled way in a fight.
2
Q
How does Social Learning Theory explain aggression?
A
- Aggression is learned through observation & imitation of role models.
- More likely if behavior is reinforced.
- E.g., a young footballer copying a professional who argues with the referee.
3
Q
What is the Instinct Theory of Aggression?
A
- Aggression is innate (born with it).
- Humans have a natural “survival instinct” that leads to aggression.
- Criticism: Doesn’t explain why aggression varies between situations & people.
4
Q
What is the Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis?
A
- Frustration leads to aggression if goals are blocked.
- If aggression is successful → leads to catharsis.
- If punished → frustration increases.
- E.g., a footballer fouling an opponent after losing possession.
5
Q
How can aggression be prevented?
A
- Punishment (red cards, bans).
- Encouraging fair play & respect.
- Coaches setting a positive example.
- Reducing frustration (e.g., better refereeing).
6
Q
What are the types of motivation?
A
- Intrinsic Motivation – Driven by internal rewards (enjoyment, pride).
- Extrinsic Motivation – Driven by external rewards (money, trophies).
- Intrinsic > Extrinsic for long-term success.
7
Q
What 4 factors influence behavior?
A
- Situation – Environment (e.g., home vs. away crowd).
- Personality – Traits (e.g., NACH vs. NAF).
- Behavior – Past experiences (e.g., previous success/failure).
- Expectation – Self-belief (e.g., confident players perform better).
8
Q
What is social facilitation & inhibition?
A
- Social Facilitation – Presence of an audience improves performance (if skilled).
- Social Inhibition – Presence of an audience worsens performance (if unskilled).
9
Q
What did Triplett find about social facilitation?
A
- Cyclists perform better when competing against others vs. alone.
- Presence of others = increased arousal & effort.
10
Q
What is Zajonc’s model?
A
- Presence of audience increases arousal.
- Dominant response theory:
- Well-learned skills → improved performance.
- New/complex skills → worse performance.
- E.g., a pro tennis player performs better in front of a crowd, but a beginner gets nervous.
11
Q
What is Cottrell’s Evaluation Apprehension Theory?
A
- Not just the presence of others, but fear of being judged affects performance.
- If an audience is perceived as knowledgeable, pressure increases.
- E.g., a young gymnast might perform worse in front of a coach vs. friends.
12
Q
How does social facilitation affect performance?
A
- Experienced athletes → Perform better under pressure.
- Beginners → Perform worse under pressure.
- Fine skills (e.g., darts) → need low arousal.
- Gross skills (e.g., sprinting) → benefit from high arousal.
13
Q
How can social inhibition be reduced?
A
- Mental rehearsal (visualizing success).
- Practice in front of small audiences before bigger ones.
- Improving self-confidence (e.g., positive self-talk).
- Controlling breathing & relaxation techniques.
14
Q
What is the Aggressive Cue Hypothesis?
A
- Suggests aggression occurs when an individual is frustrated AND exposed to aggressive environmental cues.
- Frustration alone is not enough – an external cue is required.
- If a cue is present, frustration can trigger aggression.
- E.g., a footballer is fouled (frustration), but only reacts aggressively if provoked further (cue).
15
Q
What are aggressive cues?
A
- People (opponents, aggressive teammates).
- Places (competitive environments, hostile crowds).
- Objects (weapons, sports equipment linked to aggression).
- Actions (taunting, pushing, aggressive body language).
- E.g., aggression is more likely in boxing (aggressive sport) than golf (calm sport).
