Socio-Cultural constraints

Question 1

Factors to explain the birthplace effect

Answer 1

• Population
• Traditions
• Urban or rural areas
• Money
• Transport
• Facilities

Question 2

Explain the relative age effect and the implications for skill acquisition

Answer 2

• The relative age effect occurs when children in the same academic year have the potential to be 350 days apart.
• During the developmental years the age gap can make a huge difference.
• The older quarter of the class are more likely to be picked out by scouts as they are usually bigger and faster.

Question 3

Identify and describe two methods which have been proposed to combat relative age effects

Answer 3

• Birthday banding
• Bio banding

Question 4

Explain the observation of a “relative age reversal” when studying talent development in sport

Answer 4

The relative age reversal effect is where athletes born in the first quarter (youngest’s) have the highest professional success rate as they have grown up as the underdog having to develop quickly to stay with the older athletes.

Question 5

What is the difference between chronological age and biological age? How are both ages measured

Answer 5

• Chronological age is the how long you have been alive (from the date you were born)
• Biological age Is based on physical characteristics such as height and weight. Children in adolescence can have a variation of biological age of up to three years.

Question 6

Explain the term bio-banding

Answer 6

Biological banding is where physical attributes such as height and weight are used to determine the level of play that are grouped into, this make the athletes more equal.

Question 7

Describe a criticism that can be levelled against bio-banding

Answer 7

Children of a younger age that are banded with older children may be less socially equal, this can lead to vast differences in social skills and tactics. There can be a divide and lack of team work because of the age gap although the athletes are physically similar.

Question 8

Explain the term “birthday banding” and how this approach can combat relative age effects in individual sports

Answer 8

Birthday banding is where the athlete moves up on their birthday eg from u13 u14 on their 13th birthday rather than by academic year. This allows them to be the youngest middle and oldest in each group equally.

Question 9

Explain the birthplace effect and the implications for skill acquisition

Answer 9

Where an athlete is born can have a large effect on their opportunities for success, smaller towns have produced the most elite athletes as they can be a big fish in a large pond, they are more likely to get noticed and progress with less competitors. Access to equipment, facilities, transport and money help eliminate barriers for success.

Question 10

How can sibling birth order influence the attainment of expertise

Answer 10

Having an older sibling produces a similar effect as relative age reversal as the athlete had an older competitor helping their development.