Chapter 14: Imagery Flashcards
What is imagery?
involves creating or recreating an experience in your mind
involves visual, kinesthetics, auditory, tactile, and olfactory senses
form of simulation that involves recalling from memory pieces of information stored from experience and shaping those pieces into meaningful images
involves moods and emotions
primary goal is to control our arousal levels
What the principles of the application of imagery in sport?
imagery skills can be developed and refined (can be practiced)
athlete must have positive attitudes about the effects of imagery
imagery is most effective when used by skilled athletes
learning and knowing how to relax is a necessary skill for effective use of imagery
What are the two types of imagery?
internal - first person; doing what you’re imagining/visualizing
external - removed; third person; watch yourself perform the activity
What are the five characteristics of the imagery process?
1) modality - the senses used in imagery (auditory, visual, tactile, olfactory, and kinesthetics)
2) perspective - first person (internal) or third person (external)
3) angle - the viewing angle
4) agency - the author or agent of the behaviour being imagined (oneself or another person)
5) deliberation - the degree to which imagery is deliberate or spontaneous
What are the uses of imagery?
improve concentration
enhance motivation
build confidence
control emotional responses
acquire, practice, and correct sport skills
acquire and practice strategy
prepare for competition
cope with pain and adversity
solve problems
How effective is imagery in sport?
mental practice is almost as effective as physical practice for elite/skilled athletes
physical practice is far superior for beginning athletes
imagery is most effective for activities that have a large cognitive component
negative outcome imagery is very strong in causing a decrease in performance
imagery can be developed and become more effective with practice
imagery combined with other psychological strategies enhances performance and other psychological variables
value of imagery in learning and performing motor skills
Why do athletes use imagery in sport?
for motivational and cognitive functions
What are the motivational functions of imagery?
motivational general mastery
motivation general arousal
What are the cognitive functions of imagery?
specific vs general
What do athletes imagine?
aspects (surroundings)
nature of the imagery (positive or negative character of images, the senses involved)
type of imagery (visual, kinesthetics, auditory, and olfactory)
imagery perspective (interval perspective involves visualizing the execution of a skill from your own vantage point; external perspective involves visualizing yourself from the perspective of an outside observer)
What do athlete’s image?
imagery perspective (internal vs external) - internal imagery appears to make it easier to bring in the kinesthetics sense, feel the movement and approximate actual performance skills; when using internal perspective, kinesthetics imagery should be an added component to maximize imagery effectiveness; want to choose a comfortable style that produces clear, controllable images
kinesthetics sense is good for internal perspective while external perspective is better skill evaluation and perspective
What are the psychological explanations for imagery?
imagery develops and refines mental skills and reduces anxiety
Attention-arousal set theory
imagery functions as a predatory set that assists in reaching optimal arousal
Psychological skills hypothesis
imagery enhances feelings of confidence, reduces anxiety levels, and increases concentration
