Lecture 1: Research Methods & Personality

Question 1

Explain two important concepts in research and give 3 examples for each

Answer 1

1. reliability = how consistent is the measure (does it give the same results every time)
   - homogeneity/internal consistency: the extent to which all the items on a scale measure one construct
   - stability: the consistency of results using an instrument with repeated testing
   - equivalence: consistency among responses of multiple users of an instrument, or alternate forms of an instrument
2. Validity = How accurate is the measure? (are we measuring what were supposed to measure)
   - Content validity: The extent to which a research instrument accurately measures all aspects of a construct
   - Construct validity: The extent to which a research instrument (or tool) measures the intended construct
   - Criterion validity: The extent to which a research instrument predicts an outcome for another measure

Question 2

what are the 5 dimensions of personality

Answer 2

extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness to experience

Question 3

explain the concept of mental toughness and what 4 factors it depends on

Answer 3

= a collection of values, attitudes, emotions, and cognitions that influence the way in which an individual approaches, responds to, and appraises demanding events to consistently achieve his or her goals

• hope
• optimism
• resilience
• perseverance

Question 4

explain the difference between a closed skill sport and an open skill sport

Answer 4

closed skill = adapt performance based on the behavior of the opponent
open skill = unnecessary to do this

Question 5

what does POMS stand for, what is the optimal POMS, what does that entail and why is it not optimal

Answer 5

POMS = profile of mood states
- iceberg profile: a successful performer has consistent tension, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion (around 45-50), and elevated vigour (of around 60)
- it does not predict performance very well

Question 6

what are 5 approaches to personality

Answer 6

1. psychodynamic; (un)conscious mental processes influence personality, defense mechanisms help people deal with their anxiety and modify their view on reality –> not used in sports much
2. biological; genes/physiological factors are responsible for personality –> not very influential
3. humanistic; importance of personal growth and self-fulfilment and understanding subjective interpretation/perception, people are motivated towards self-actualization
   - person-centered therapy is influential for sports –> awareness of perceptions, thoughts, attitudes
4. trait approaches; people have certain consistent ways of behaving (eg. trait anxiety), some traits may predict performance but not very well (-recognized)
5. social-cognitive approaches; emphasis on cognitive processes in understanding characteristics/behavior

Question 7

what are two personality traits believed to be influential on succes in sports/performance

Answer 7

neuroticism and conscientiousness

Question 8

what are 4 typical personality assessment methods

Answer 8

1. standardized inventories: question list to determine some feature(s) of personality –> can be helpful to get to know the client
2. projective tests: responding to ambiguous stimuli which reveals aspects of personality, including things they’re not yet aware of/reluctant to discuss –> low validity
3. behavioral observations: watching the athlete perform/behave/interact
4. psychophysiological measurement: data about bodily functions –> can form basis for biofeedback (= learning to monitor/regulate bodily responses)

Question 9

ideal performance state

Answer 9

= mental/physical conditions that allow the athlete to perform their best

Question 10

what are the 3 traits of the dark triad

Answer 10

1. machiavellianism = manipulative, lower levels of morality, focus on personal gain
2. psychopathy = manipulative, impulsive, lack of remorse, lack of empathy
3. narcissism = idealized image of self, lower level of empathy, attention-seeker, self-centered

Question 11

what were the main results of the study done on narcissism in teams

Answer 11

teams with higher mean/maximum narcissism had poorer coordination/performance than teams with lower levels; higher team familiarity amplified these results

Question 12

what are the 4 goals of sport psychology

Answer 12

1. describe behavior; using certain specific definitions
2. explain behavior; why something is the case, by using theories
3. predict behavior; make hypotheses and use explanatory models
4. change behavior; knowledge about cause-effect relationships allows for derivations for interventions of change

Question 13

what 6 subdisciplines is sport psychology divided in

Answer 13

1. cognitive psych; information processing
2. motivational psych; motivations for behavior
3. psych of emotions; description, explanation, prediction and change of emotions/feelings/moods
4. psych of individual differences/personality
5. developmental psych; changes in human experience and behavior over the life span
6. social psych; analysis of experience/behavior in social contexts