Inquiry Question 2

Question 1

Psychology

Answer 1

The ways in which the mind can influence an individuals performance

Question 2

Motivation

Answer 2

What drives an athlete to train, improve, perform. Motivated athletes are more likely to succeed due to their commitment
It can either be positive or negative and intrinsic or extrinsic

Question 3

Positive Motivation

Answer 3

The desire to experience and then continue to experience the rewards of achieving a successful outcome eg.
Praise, financial gain, self satisfaction

Question 4

Negative motivation

Answer 4

The desire to avoid the penalties of an unsuccessful outcome eg.
Fear of failure, lack of respect from others, missing team selection/getting dropped from team, disappointment

Question 5

Anxiety and Arousal

Answer 5

Anxiety and arousal can both hinder performance. However, if arousal is controlled and at optimal levels it has the capacity to improve performance.
Anxiety is sourced internally, from the mind, thus is psychological. Arousal is physiological resulting from the responses to stimuli such as coaches, crowds, rewards

Question 6

Trait anxiety

Answer 6

Refers to the characteristics of a person. Athletes will have varying levels of trait anxiety. Athletes can implement strategies to deal with their personal levels of anxiety

Question 7

State anxiety

Answer 7

Refers to anxiety bought on by a particular activity. ‘State’ meaning the situation in which the athlete is performing in ie. high pressure moments

Question 8

Eustress

Answer 8

Positive stress - beneficial

Question 9

Distress

Answer 9

Negative stress- disadvantageous

Question 10

Optimal arousal

Answer 10

The point which the athlete is exposed to arousal which is beneficial to performance. If athletes are too little or over aroused it will negatively affect performance

Question 11

Arousal raisers

Answer 11

• Increasing voice intensity
• loud noises eg. clapping
• Hand gestures eg. thumbs up
• Introduction to the crowds
• Physical activity
• Warm up
• Team chants

Question 12

Arousal depressors

Answer 12

• Encouraging focus
• Focus on performance rather than outcome
• task familiarity
• Consistent routine
• Calming techniques

Question 13

Strategies to manage motivation, anxiety, arousal

Answer 13

• Concentration and attention skills
• Mental rehearsal, visualisation, imagery
• Goal setting
• Relaxation techniques

Question 14

Concentration and attention skills

Answer 14

Concepts of focusing on queues and elements that are specific to an athletes performance rather than the outcome of the skill
Intense focus: golf, table tennis, high jump
Sustained focus: Marathon
Focus and attention: Netball, rugby, football

Question 15

Mental rehearsal

Answer 15

Mentally picturing a performance of skill before execution. Involves the mental repetition of the skill to increase the minds familiarity with the motion

Question 16

Visualisation

Answer 16

Picturing a specific aspect of the performance or skill. Focuses on points and techniques that are required for execution

Question 17

Imagery

Answer 17

Allows an athlete to mentally prepare for anything unusual that might occur. The athlete substitutes actual experience with scenes form their imagination.
Athletes may also use imagery to imagine themselves eg. running away from a lion to run faster etc.

Question 18

Relaxation Techniques

Answer 18

Used to assist in the control of physical responses to stress and anxiety. Eg.
- Slow deep breathing
- Stretching muscles
- cool towel

Question 19

Goal setting

Answer 19

Increase motivation for the athlete. Goals must be challenging yet realistic

S - Specific
M - Measurable
A - Action plan
R - Realistic
T - Time frame
E - Evaluate
R - Reward