Exam Study

Question 1

What are the six main social theories in sports?

Answer 1

1. Functionalist theory
2. Conflict theory
3. Interactionist theory
4. Critical theory
5. Feminist theory
6. Figurational theory

Question 2

Summarise “Functionalist Theory” in sports.

Answer 2

Social order is based on consensus and shared values.

Sports provide the status quo.

Question 3

Summarise “Conflict Theory” in sports.

Answer 3

Social order is based on economic interests and social class shapes social structure and relationships.

Sports are tools of the wealthy.

Question 4

Summarise “Interactionist Theory” in sports.

Answer 4

Social order is created from the bottom up as people interact with each other.

Sports are given meaning as people interact with each other.

Question 5

Summarise “Critical Theory” in sports.

Answer 5

Social life is full of diversity, complexities, and contradictions.

Sports are sites where culture and social relations are produced and changed.

Question 6

Summarise “Feminist Theory” in sports.

Answer 6

Social order is based primarily on the values, experiences, and interests of men with power.

Sports are gendered activities grounded in the values of men with power.

Question 7

Summarise “Figurational Theory” in sports.

Answer 7

Social life consists of patterns of interdependencies among individuals and groups.

Sports are collective inventions and almost focused on the “civilising process” of sport.

Question 8

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Functionalist Theory” in sports?

Answer 8

Strengths - Sports are a valuable social institution that contribute to the system and are a source of inspiration for personal and social aspects of life.

Weaknesses - Overstates the positive consequences of sports in society and assumes that all social groups equally benefit from sports.

Question 9

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Conflict Theory” in sports?

Answer 9

Strengths - Sports contribute to the existence of socioeconomic inequality in society which is highlighted in the commercialisation of sports and the influence of wealthy and powerful individuals and groups.

Weaknesses - It assumes that all social life is economically determined and ignores the importance of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and other factors in social life. It ignores the possibility that sports participation can be an empowering experience.

Question 10

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Interactionist Theory” in sports?

Answer 10

Strengths - Sports participation is grounded in the decisions made by people in connection with their identities and relationships which is evident in athlete’s transition in and out of sports and how people define an athlete.

Weaknesses - It ignores the issues of power and power relations in society and how they impact sports, sports participation and sports experience.

Question 11

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Critical Theory” in sports?

Answer 11

Strengths - Sports can be useful in challenging and transforming exploitive and oppressive practices, and increasing the diversity of participation and opportunities for social groups.

Weaknesses - There are no clear guidelines for identifying problems or strategies for producing transformation and dealing with social problems, conflicts, and injustice.

Question 12

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Feminist Theory” in sports?

Answer 12

Strengths - Sports can be used to empower women, and expose and transform sexist and homophobic behaviours and attitudes.

Weaknesses - It lacks clear guidelines for assessing forms of resistance, and valuing ideas and actions in producing social transformation. There is also a lack of attention on the connection between genders and groups.

Question 13

What are the strengths and weaknesses of “Figurational Theory” in sports?

Answer 13

Strengths - Sports can be valuable tools in controlling violence and relieving boredom and are intrinsically linked with national identities.

Weaknesses - It gives too little attention to problems and struggles affecting day-to-day power through history and within more contemporary issues such as gender inequality which affects the lives of individuals.

Question 14

What are the five main personality theories in sports?

Answer 14

1. Psychodynamic theory
2. Social learning theory
3. Humanistic theory
4. Trait theory
5. Interactionist theory.

Question 15

What are the 3 components of consciousness according to “Psychodynamic Theory” and what do they consist of?

Answer 15

1. The Id: The instinctual core - pleasure-seeking
2. The Ego: Conscious, logical, reality-orientated.
3. The Super-ego: Conscience - internalised moral standards.

Question 16

What are the 2 ways of understanding taught within the “Social Learning Theory” of personality and what do they consist of?

Answer 16

1. Modelling: Learning through observation.
2. Social Reinforcement: Reward behaviours are likely to be repeated.

Question 17

What is the main assumption of the “Humanistic Theory” of personality?

Answer 17

That human nature is inherently healthy and constructive.

Question 18

What are the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

Answer 18

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety
3. Belonging and love
4. Esteem
5. Self-actualisation

Question 19

Which theory of personality does Malsow’s Hierarchy of Needs refer to?

Answer 19

Humanistic theory.

Question 20

What are the two main dimensions of the Trait Theory of personality?

Answer 20

1. Neurotic/Stable
2. Introvert/Extrovert

Question 22

What is the main accepted concept theorised in the Interactionist Approach to personality theories?

Answer 22

It is widely agreed that it is a combination of theories that explains behaviour.

Question 23

What is the formula that is used in the Interactionist Approach of personality theories to explain behaviour, and what does it mean?

Answer 23

Behaviour = Personality + Situation + Personality x Situation - Error

Any behaviour (e.g., aggression) is the function of several personality and environmental factors.