mental imagery

Question 1

what is mental imagery?

Answer 1

• an experience that mimics a real experience
• need to be aware of all the different sensors

Question 2

how is mental imagery different to dreams?

Answer 2

• we are awake and conscious when we form an image

Question 3

what is mental practice?

Answer 3

• cognitive rehearsal of a task prior to performance

Question 4

what is mental rehearsal?

Answer 4

• cognitive rehearsal of a task in the absence of avert physical movement

Question 5

what is visualisation?

Answer 5

• the formation of mental visual images

Question 6

what is neural overlap?

Answer 6

• when we imagine a movement it activates part of the brain which is active when you produce the physical movement

Question 7

what is function equivalence?

Answer 7

• shared neural activity patterning
• neurons that fire during exercise also fire during imagery

Question 8

what should be incorporated into mental imagery to make it efficient?

Answer 8

• sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste

Question 9

how does imagery work?

Answer 9

• imagining movements warm up the brain
• when they are physically completed the neurons are warmed up to fire more accurately

Question 10

how does imagery link to injury?

Answer 10

• reduces physical drop off in performance
• acts as a useful substitute
• through imagery they remain more match ready

Question 11

what are the psychological uses of imagery?

Answer 11

• improved concentration
• recompose; control over emotional response
• improved motivation
• improved confidence
• reduced anxiety

Question 12

what does imagery add to the task and enable?

Answer 12

• adds purpose to the task
• enables fine tuning
• allows athletes to work on weaknesses

Question 13

what is internal imagery?

Answer 13

• first person seen through your own eyes
• useful when practicing timing of movement or experience a particular situation
• fine tuning skills

Question 14

what is external imagery perspective?

Answer 14

• third person perspective
• used to show how movements look and the whole picture
  e.g., football seeing how overall performance effects the play

Question 15

what is kinaesthetic imagery?

Answer 15

• feelings and sensations associated with image
• muscles contracting, feel of equipment, proprioception, etc

Question 16

what does kinaesthetic imagery work to do?

Answer 16

• strengthen motor neuron connections so when perform you may see some improvements

Question 17

why is imagery useful?

Answer 17

• can do it anywhere
• can do it anytime
• very versatile

Question 18

what are the benefits of imagery

Answer 18

• boosts confidence
• increased motivation
• increased focus
• increased strength
• improved movements
• reduced reaction time

Question 19

how does imagery improve concentration?

Answer 19

• prepare for the worse

Question 20

how can imagery help you to recompose?

Answer 20

• regather feelings after making a mistake e.g., missing a shot

Question 21

how can imagery be used in rehab settings?

Answer 21

• if you forget to do an assessment for an injury, then you can use mental imagery to reduce stress by visualising you doing it correct next time
• practice exercise while recovering

Question 22

give an example of how imagery adds purpose to a task

Answer 22

• during stroke recovery instead of just mobilising the arm above the head, could say ‘reach for apples’

Question 23

how does imagery improve confidence?

Answer 23

• imagine you perform well

Question 24

how does imagery help with control over emotional responses?

Answer 24

• getting too pumped up may cause a negative performance so can use imagery to calm down

Question 25

how can imagery reduce anxiety?

Answer 25

• imagine yourself in a calm environment

Question 26

what does it allow athletes to do with pieces and tactics?

Answer 26

• fine tune their skills

Question 27

what does it allow athletes to work on?

Answer 27

• weak aspects of their performance

Question 28

what are the functions of imagery?

Answer 28

• learn and improve skills
• develop plans and strategies
• manage emotion and enhance cognitions

Question 29

what are the strengths of imagery?

Answer 29

• can be done anywhere
• can be down anytime
• very versatile tool

Question 30

what is Paivio’s 2x2 framework?

Answer 30

• involves 5 different types of imagery
• content of what you image is differen to the function
• effects athletes differently

Question 31

what is cognitive specific imagery?

Answer 31

• imagery to learn/ maintain/ improve performance of specific movements

Question 32

what is cognitive general imagery?

Answer 32

• imagery to develop/ learn/ remember strategies and set plays

Question 33

what is motivational specific imagery?

Answer 33

• imagery to motivate and increase effort levels

Question 34

what is motivational general arousal?

Answer 34

• imagery to regulate arousal/ anxiety and emotions

Question 35

what is motivational general mastery?

Answer 35

• imagery to regulate thoughts and conditions

Question 36

describe why you would use imagery

Answer 36

• learn and improve skills
• develop plans/ strategies
• enhance motivation
• modify cognitions
• manage emotions

Question 37

what do you do because function isn’t always the same as content?

Answer 37

• identify the function and decide the content

Question 38

what has different effects on athletes?

Answer 38

• content