Evaluation apprehension and preventing inhibition

Question 1

What is evaluation apprehension?

Answer 1

The perceived fear of being judged

Question 2

Being watched by someone important can have 2 responses, what are they?

Answer 2

It could either really motivate you (facilitation) or increase anxiety and arousal to very high levels, meaning a significant reduction in performance (inhibition)

Question 3

When can evaluation apprehension occur?

Answer 3

• If people watching are known to the player, family members for example
• If the performer is feeling less confident about the outcome of the event. They are already feeling unsure, in addition to the pressure from an audience
• If the audience is seen to be expert or knowledgeable
• If the audience is critical
• If the audience makes no comments at all - this may cause a sense of unease in the performer

Question 4

What are the 3 strategies used to prevent social inhibition?

Answer 4

• Getting players familiar with playing in front of a crowd
• Gradually introducing evaluation
• Improving focus and concentration

Question 5

How does getting players familiar with playing in front of a crowd prevent social inhibition?

Answer 5

Training with distraction of an audience so that they get used to being watched - familiarisation

Question 6

What are 3 ways to gradually introduce evaluation?

Answer 6

• Informal team discussions
• Encourage support from team mates
• Reduce the importance of the event

Question 7

How can a player improve focus and concentration?

Answer 7

The players could try to really focus on the game (relevant) and not the audience (irrelevant). They will use selective attention to help them do so - train with distractions of playing crowd noise for example.

Question 8

What are other strategies that could be used to prevent social inhibition?

Answer 8

• Increase self-efficacy
• Practice skills until they become grooved
• Stress management techniques