Sport Psychology - Attitudes

Question 1

Define attitude

Answer 1

A set of beliefs, feelings and values that pre-dispose and individual to behave in a certain way towards an attitude object.

Question 2

Name 4 ways that attitudes can be formed

Answer 2

1. Past experiences
2. Familiarity
3. Conditioning
4. Social learning theory

Question 3

Explain past experiences

Answer 3

A positive experience with a sporting/unsporting attitude leads to a sporting/unsporting attitude

Question 4

Explain familiarity

Answer 4

Increased exposure to a sporting/unsporting attitude means the performer will be more likely to display that attitude

Question 5

Explain conditioning

Answer 5

If the performer is praised for a sporting or unsporting attitude, they will develop a sporting or unsporting attitude

Question 6

Explain social learning theory of attitude

Answer 6

The performer may have observed and imitated their role models sporting/unsporting attitude

Question 7

Once an attitude is formed, what is it stored in?

Answer 7

The triadic model

Question 8

Name the components of the triadic model

Answer 8

Cognitive
Affective
Behavioural

Question 9

Explain the cognitive component of the triadic model

Answer 9

The way the performer thinks about the attitude object e.g. the performer thinks that training will benefit their performance

Question 11

Explain the affective component of the triadic model

Answer 11

The way the performer feels about the attitude object e.g. the performer enjoys the benefits that training brings to performance

Question 12

Explain the behavioural component of the triadic model

Answer 12

The way the performer acts towards the attitude object e.g. the performer will train regularly/try hard at training

Question 13

Name two ways in which a coach can change an attitude

Answer 13

1. Cognitive dissonance
2. Persuasive communication

Question 14

Explain the aim of cognitive dissonance

Answer 14

• The coach aims to cause conflict in the performer’s mind
• By changing one component of the triadic model

Question 15

Explain how the cognitive component of the triadic model can be changed

Answer 15

If the performer doesn’t think their training is beneficial, then the coach will give evidence that shows the training will benefit them e.g. They will show the performer a role model who trains hard and has been successful or show the performer quantitative data to highlight the benefits of training.

Question 16

Explain how the affective component of the triadic model can be changed

Answer 16

If the performer doesn’t enjoy training, the coach can vary training methods to make it more fun and enjoyable

Question 17

Explain how the behavioural component of the triadic model can be changed

Answer 17

If the performer doesn’t attend training/put in effort, the coach should offer rewards e.g. praise

Question 18

Name the 4 factors that impact the effect of persuasive communication

Answer 18

Status of the messenger
Quality of the message
Timing of the message
Individual resistance to change