FQ2: How can psychology affect performance?

Question 1

Define motivation.

Answer 1

internal state that activates, directs and sustains behaviour towards achieving a particular goal

Question 2

Define positive motivation. Evaluate its effectiveness.

Answer 2

individual’s performance is driven by previous reinforcing behaviours

More effective and sustainable than negative motivation, however relies on continual self or external reinforcement

Question 3

Define negative motivation. Evaluate its effectiveness.

Answer 3

inspired to perform more from a fear of consequences of not performing than as a result of a motivated behaviour

Irregular, has serious shortfalls - e.g. indecision, fear of risk taking, destruction of confidence and initiative (reverse of motivation)

Question 4

Define intrinsic motivation. Evaluate its effectiveness.

Answer 4

motivation that comes from within the individual

Self-sustaining and self-reinforcing
much stronger driving forces than anything bestowed or imposed from outside

Question 5

Define extrinsic motivation. Evaluate its effectiveness.

Answer 5

comes from sources outside a person (e.g. parents, coaches); occurs when the individual’s internal state is modified by sources originating from outside the person

Effort and desire or achievement are related to expectation of outside reward or fear of punishment from an outside source
Rewards and fears do NOT alter attitudes but may change how hard we work
less sustainable

Question 6

What is the best combination of motivation and provide an example in sporting context.

Answer 6

intrinsic positive

EXAMPLE: Golf
Intrinsic - mentally rehearse golf swing, keep composure, focus on strategy
Positive - focus on future outcomes rather than past mistakes, focus on strategy

Question 7

Define anxiety, and the two types of anxiety. Provide an example in a sporting context.

Answer 7

Anxiety: psychological process characterised by fear or apprehension in anticipation of confronting a situation perceived to be potentially threatening

Trait anxiety: general stress

State anxiety: tension related to a specific event, may prevent performance if extreme

EXAMPLE: RUGBY
Aggression becomes a natural outlet = beneficial

Question 8

Outline what stress is and some sources of stress, and provide examples.

Answer 8

Stress: physiological or psychological influence that produces a state of tension in a person; non-specific

real vs imagined stress

EXAMPLES:
External Distractions:
Weather
Noise in the crowd
Movement in peripheral vision
Unwelcome comments (sledging) from an opponent

Internal Distractions:
Own thoughts - worrying about mistakes, anger at referee’s decision
Analysing a performance
Being distracted can lead to errors in judgement

Question 9

Explain what optimal arousal is (mention inverted U hypothesis) and how it affects performance. Provide an example of a sport that varies between levels of arousal.

Answer 9

sees anxiety as a heightened state that can be controlled and can assist performance

Inverted U hypothesis = optimal level of arousal for any performance

Performance may suffer from:
1. Lack of motivation
2. Disinterest
3. Poor concentration
4. Inability to cope with distractions

EXAMPLE: Gymnastics (Simone Biles): starts with moderate arousal, jumping on the vault with high arousal

Question 10

What are the 4 psychological strategies athletes can use to enhance motivation and manage anxiety?

Answer 10

1. Concentration/attention
2. Mental rehearsal
3. Relaxation techniques
4. Goal-setting

Question 11

Explain concentration and provide an example of an athlete that uses this strategy.

Answer 11

Effective concentration = uninterrupted connection between thinking about doing and doing, type of concentration varies from one sport to another

EXAMPLE: Rafael Nadal - touches his face, wipes face with towel, bounces ball before, steps with his feet, etc. (prepares his body)

Question 12

Explain mental rehearsal and an athlete that demonstrates this.

Answer 12

1. Elevates the body to desired level of arousal
2. Provides clear idea of what has to be done
3. Heightens concentration
4. Narrows thoughts to the task
   BUT difficult for coach to control thoughts

EXAMPLE: Johnny Wilkinson - rugby union
External cue: whistle - Immediately thinking - where are the posts?

Question 13

Explain relaxation techniques and an athlete that uses these.

Answer 13

Optimal arousal is desirable for good performance, over-arousal will tarnish best efforts, Muscular relaxation - muscle can peak in performance (maximum output)

EXAMPLE: Simone Biles (54321 method)

Question 14

Explain goal-setting.

Answer 14

SMART, short-term, long-term, behavioural, performance