Sports Psychology Flashcards
(137 cards)
1
Q
What is personality ?
A
Is the sum total of an individuals characteristics which make them unique
2
Q
Why is personality of interest to sports psychologists ?
A
Can help identify who might be successful in sport
Can help work out how an athlete may act in a specific situation
To identify who may benefit from working with a sports psychologist
Squad selection
3
Q
What is a trait ?
A
A characteristic of personality, said to be inherited from birth
4
Q
How can a coach use trait theory ?
A
Can predict player behaviour + how to deal with them
If you know how they cope under stress they can be played in tense game situations
5
Q
What are the study findings of trait theory ?
A
Extroverts prefer high action sports
Introverts prefer individual activities
More stable people participate in sport
6
Q
What are the criticisms of trait theory ?
A
People don’t always act as expected, personality can change
People learn how to act from the ‘environment’
7
Q
What is Social Learning Theory ?
A
All behaviour is learned from others (family, friends, role models)
8
Q
What is modelling ?
A
Copying the behaviour of others through observation
9
Q
What is social reinforcement ?
A
The behaviour is reinforced by another person
10
Q
How does Social Learning Theory work ?
A
Observe -> Identify -> Reinforce -> Copy
11
Q
What are the criticisms of Social Learning Theory ?
A
We inherit some characteristics from birth
We might observe certain behaviours of role models but we may not copy them
12
Q
What is the psychological core ?
A
This is the ‘real you’
Beliefs, values, attitudes + self worth that remain more or less permanent
13
Q
What is the typical behaviour ?
A
The usual manner that we respond to certain situations
This is learned and stored as experience
14
Q
What is the role related behaviour ?
A
This is the ‘surface’ of personality
Our actual response to different situations (based on how we feel + the situation we are in)
An individual may act ‘out of character’
15
Q
What is the equation for behaviour ?
A
Behaviour = function (personality x environment)
16
Q
What is the sceptical approach to behaviour ?
A
Believe you cannot use personality to predict a performers behaviour
17
Q
What is the credulous approach to behaviour ?
A
Believe you can use personality to predict a performers behaviour
18
Q
How can a coach use interactionist theory ?
A
Predict unacceptable behaviour
Identify who needs to work with a sports psychologist
Can identify aspects of personality/ behaviour to be changed
Can help avoid specific situations
Can help a performer to deal with a situation
19
Q
What is an attitude ?
A
Ideas charged with emotion (positive + negative) which predispose a class of actions
to a particular social situation
20
Q
How are attitudes formed ?
A
Socialisation
Conditioning
Familiarity
Past Experiences
21
Q
What is affective in the ‘Triadic Model’ ?
A
Our emotional response or feelings
22
Q
What is behaviour in the ‘Triadic Model’ ?
A
Our intended or actual behaviour
23
Q
What is cognitive in the ‘Triadic Model’ ?
A
: The knowledge, thoughts, ideas,
information we have on the attitude object
24
Q
How do we make sure a performer has a positive attitude ?
A
Fun, enjoyable experiences, negative attitudes and challenged/ discussed
25
How can you change a performers attitude ?
Persuasive communication and Cognitive dissonance
26
What is persuasive communication ?
You persuade/ encourage to change their attitude by talking to them
27
What is cognitive dissonance ?
When individuals are challenged by evidence
that is not consistent with their assumptions
28
What is arousal ?
'An energised state, a readiness to perform, a drive to achieve'
29
What are cognitive responses to arousal ?
Stress, negative self talk, anxiety, worry, increases focus
30
What are somatic responses to arousal ?
Increases body temperature + heart rate + breathing rate, shaking, tense muscles
31
What is drive theory ?
As arousal increases so does performance (its linear)
32
What happens to drive theory when arousal
is high ?
The higher the arousal level, the more likely a performer is to bring about their dominant
response
33
When applying drive theory, what needs to
be taken into account ?
The skill that needs to be completed
34
What is inverted U theory ?
Performance levels will be at their highest at the optimal point of arousal
35
How can inverted U theory also impact performance ?
If arousal is too high/ low performance will be lower
36
What happens when the performer is under
aroused in the inverted U theory ?
Lack of attention/ concentration + poor performance
37
What happens when the performer is moderately aroused in the inverted U theory ?
Selective attention, concentrating, good performance
38
What happens when the performer is over
aroused in the inverted U theory ?
Anxious, misses cues, makes poor decisions, may be aggressive
39
What is catastrophe theory ?
As arousal rises towards an athletes threshold, they experience a dramatic drop in performance
40
What 2 things need to be present for catastrophe theory to work ?
Relies on the need for both arousal and cognitive anxiety to achieve optimal performance
41
What does catastrophe theory show ?
Shows that recovery is possible, but recovery time will vary
42
What does the Zone of Optimal Functioning
display ?
The relationship between stress, anxiety and arousal
43
What is the Zone of Optimal Functioning dependent on ?
Individuals perform optimally at different levels, depending on personality, task and stage of learning
44
What does the Zone of Optimal Functioning
highlight that other arousal theories don't ?
Not all athletes optimal performance is at the top of the inverted U
45
How does personality influence the Zone of
Optimal Functioning ?
Extroverts - perform well when aroused
Introverts - perform best at low arousal levels
46
How does the task influence the Zone of
Optimal Functioning ?
Simple/ Gross - performed better in high arousal
Complex/ Fine - performed better in low arousal
47
How does a performers stage of learning
influence the Zone of Optimal Functioning ?
Autonomous - perform better in high arousal
Cognitive/ Associative - perform better in low arousal
48
What are the characteristics of peak flow ?
Clear goals, task focused, belief in their ability, subconscious self control
49
When does peak flow happen ?
Positive mental attitude, confident performer, optimum arousal, anxiety controlled, balanced emotional state, optimum environmental conditions, confidence in your training + preparation
50
What can disrupt peak flow ?
Not at optimum arousal level, injury, fatigue, lack of challenge, poor officials, hostile crowd
51
What is anxiety ?
'State of nervousness and worry, a negative response to a threatening sporting situation'
52
What causes anxiety ?
Media, audience, importance of event, level of opposition, timing, money
53
What is eustress ?
One player sees a chance to show their ability and win the event
54
What is distress ?
One player worries about making a mistake or playing poorly which will let his team down and cause them to loose
55
What is cognitive anxiety ?
Psychological responses (thoughts + worries)
56
What is somatic anxiety ?
Physiological responses (sweating + vomiting)
57
What is competitive trait anxiety ?
Performer perceives all competitive situations as threatening regardless of then importance of the event
58
What is competitive state anxiety ?
Level of anxiety during competitive situations which may change throughout a game
59
What is a questionnaire ?
A set of written questions used to assess a performers level of anxiety
60
What is observation ?
Watching a performer to spot the symptoms of increased anxiety
61
What is physiological methods ?
Using technology to measure physiological changes when the performer is in a stressful situation
62
What is centring / breathing control ?
Deep breathing/ diaphragmic breathing
May involve repeating key words/ mantra
63
What is biofeedback ?
Measuring physiological responses
Learn to recognise and control anxiety responses
64
What is Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) ?
Often combined with effective breathing control
Focus on specific muscle groups/ working inwards from periphery
Contract muscles - hold and relax
65
What is negative thought stopping ?
Use of cue/ action / word
This redirects your attention away from negative thoughts to positive ones
66
What is positive self talk ?
Used when negative thoughts occur - replace them with positive statements about performance
67
What is goal setting ?
Directs your attention away from the source of the stress and onto an achievable target
68
What is imagery ?
Creates a mental picture of a relaxing environment to reduce stress
Recreate successful image of past performance in mind
69
What is visualisation ?
During training, create a mental picture of performing the skill correctly
Include negative feelings which may occur so they can be dealt with in real scenarios
70
What is mental rehearsal ?
Going over movements of a task in the mind before performing them
Ingrain the skill sequence into memory
Important when skills are serial and closed
71
What is attentional control ?
Chaining the focus of attention to detect only relevant cues (cue utalisation) - block out distraction
72
What is aggression ?
Is any form or behaviour directed towards the goal of harming or injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment
73
What are the characteristics of aggression ?
Intention to harm
Outside of the rules
Out-of-control
Hostile
Deliberate
Reactive
74
What are the characteristics of assertion ?
Controlled
Well motivated
Goal directed
Not intended to harm
Generally within the rules
75
What is instinct theory ?
All performers are born with an 'aggressive instinct' (genetically inherited)
76
According to instinct theory, how does aggression occur ?
If provoked
77
According to instinct theory, how do you remove aggression ?
Through a cathartic release
78
What are the criticisms of instinct theory ?
Aggression is not always as a result of being provoked
Aggression is often learned from others
Sport tends to increase aggression, not release it
Performers can show aggressive behaviour when not playing sports
Scientists have not identified any biological basis for this theory
79
What is the frustration-aggression hypothesis ?
Drive towards a goal -> obstacle -> frustration -> inevitable aggression -> success without punishment -> catharsis
OR
inevitable aggression -> unable to release
aggression or punishment -> frustration
80
What does the frustration-aggression hypothesis suggest about aggression ?
Aggressive characteristics are innate
81
What are the criticisms of frustration- aggression hypothesis ?
Not all frustration leads to aggression
Not all aggression is caused by frustration
It does not account for situational factors or individual differences/ environment
82
What is social learning theory in relation to
aggression ?
Aggression is not innate (inherited) it is learned
Observe -> Identify -> Reinforce -> Copy
83
What are the criticisms of social learning
theory in relation to aggression ?
Some aggressive acts are reactive / instinctive
We don't always copy others being aggressive because we have a conscience - morals
84
What is a praise of social learning theory in
relation to aggression ?
Many aggressive acts are copied especially if these acts are reinforced
85
What is 'aggressive cue hypothesis/ theory' ?
Goals blocked and frustration -> increased arousal -> aggressive cue present -> aggression likely
OR
Goals blocked and frustration -> increased arousal -> no aggressive cue present -> aggression unlikely
86
What can aggressive cues be ?
People associated with being aggressive (rivals, fans, opponents)
Sport associated with being aggressive
Places associated with aggression (history)
Objects associated with aggression (bats)
87
What does 'aggressive cue hypothesis/ theory' state ?
That innate characteristics, social learning and aggressive cues all determine if an aggressive act
88
What does 'aggressive cue hypothesis/ theory' account for ?
It accounts for different responses to similar situations, one may react, one may not
89
What are the strategies to control/ reduce aggressive behaviour ?
Positives reinforcement of non - aggressive acts/ behaviour
Punish aggressive acts
Removals from situations that could lead to aggression
Techniques to reduce frustration/ triggers
Develop decision making techniques
Triggers / objects of aggression introduced to training
90
What is motivation ?
Desire to succeed that occurs within a performer or because extrinsic rewards
91
What are the factors of motivation ?
Increased enjoyment
Attention from friends/ family
Winning
Aesthetics
Prizes
Praise
Money
Pride
92
What are intrinsic motivation ?
The desire to achieve success that occurs within the performer
93
What are the three parts of intrinsic motivation ?
Being motivated by accomplishment
Being motivated by stimulation
Being motivated by knowledge of your performance or learning a new skill
94
What is the effect of intrinsic motivation on performance ?
High intrinsic motivation means you carry on performing even when you lose/ don't get rewards
Being too motivated can lead to overtraining and decreased performance
Intrinsic motivation is stronger and lasts longer than extrinsic motivation
95
What are the characteristics of a Need To Achieve (NACH) performer ?
Takes on challenges
High task persistence
Enjoy being evaluated / judged
Welcome feedback
Want to improve/ be the best
Takes risks (confident)
Approach behaviour
Not afraid to fail
Attributes success internally
96
What are the characteristics of a Need To Avoid Failure (NAF) performer ?
Avoids challenges
Dislikes failure
Low confidence
Avoidance behaviour
Give up easily
Avoids 50/50 challenges
Selects tasks that are very easy or very hard to protect their self esteem
97
What is the Incentive value of Success (IS) ?
Shame/ pride/ sense of achievement following the result
98
What is the Probability of Success (PS) ?
Task difficulty/ how likely success is
99
What is the equation for achievement motivation ?
Achievement motivation = Drive to succeed - the fear of failure
100
What are 'Ego -oriented' individuals ?
Success if when you have beaten others to show you are the best
101
What are 'Task -oriented' individuals ?
Success is when you have performed well in relation to your own ability
102
How do 'Ego -oriented' individuals improve their performance ?
Set goals to allow comparison with others to be made (performer easily discouraged/ select easier tasks
103
How do 'Task -oriented' individuals improve their performance ?
Set goals related to your own performance ( = high intrinsic motivation/ positive attitude)
104
How can a coach develop approach behaviour ?
Allow success/ positive experiences
Reinforcement/ support from significant others
Reduce punishment
Gradually increase task difficulty whilst ensuring tasks are challenging
Raise levels of self confidence and avoid learned helplessness
Set performance/ process goals that are achievable with effort
Use attributions correctly - failure (extrinsic / unstable), success (intrinsic / stable)
105
What is social facilitation ?
Influence or presence of others that impact on performance or increase arousal levels
106
What is social inhibition ?
The negative effect of the audience on performance
107
Who are the audience ?
Those watching (silently)
108
Who are co-actors ?
They are performing the same task, but are not in direct competition
109
Who are competitive co-actors ?
They are performing the same tasks, but are in direct competition
110
Who are social reinforcers ?
Direct influences, eg coach, crowd
111
What are the strategies to combat social inhibition ?
Train in front of a crowd (build crowd size of crowd gradually)
Improve selective attention and cut out the effect of the audience
Reduce the importance of the event to lower arousal levels
Avoid over evaluation of performance (build up gradually)
Encourage team mates to be supportive
Mental rehearsal/ imagery/ visualisation
Other stress management techniques
Goal setting
Ensure skills are over-learned/ highly skilled/ autonomous phase
Use attributions correctly
112
What is the home field advantage ?
Support from crowd increases confidence
Increased anxiety of away team (hostile chanting)
Over arousal/ anxiety of away : more fouls
Familiarity of venue increases confidence
Social facilitation/ social inhibition
Adopt familiar style of play in familiar environment (fluency)
113
What is a group ?
Groups are social aggregates that involve mutual awareness and the potential for interaction
114
What are the characteristics that are needed for a group to form a 'bond' ?
Two or more people interacting (working together to complete a task)
A collective identity
A shared sense of purpose/ goal
A clear structure for communication
115
What happens in the groups formation stage of Forming ?
They get to know each other
Assess how you fit into the group
Assess individuals strengths and weaknesses
116
What happens in the groups formation stage of Storming ?
Conflict to establish positions and roles within the groups
117
What happens in the groups formation stage of Norming ?
Conflicts resolved
Agreement of roles
Team co-operates
Stability
Collective goals
118
What happens in the groups formation stage of Performing ?
Players interacting and working together to achieve goals
Roles established
Mutual Support
119
What happens in the groups formation stage of Adjourning/ Mourning ?
Task is complete and team breaks up
120
What can influence the time taken to form a group ?
Group size
Attitude of the players
Experience of the players
Complexity of the task
Time available
121
What is a co-active group ?
They are doing the same thing at the same time (rowers)
122
What is an interactive group ?
Each athlete has a different role with must be integrated with other team members
123
What is group cohesion ?
The extent to which a group works together in pursuit of a common goal
124
What are the two types of group cohesion ?
Task cohesion and Social cohesion
125
What is task cohesion ?
Team members work together to successfully complete a task
126
What are the characteristics of task cohesion ?
Common team goal - accepted and valued by all
Good communication
Understand own and each others roles
Most important within interactive team games
127
What is social cohesion ?
Involves the interaction of individuals and how well they relate to each other
128
What are the characteristics of social cohesion ?
Interpretational relationships and trust
Players react positively by relaxing and making friends
Most important in co-active sports
129
How can a coach build team cohesion ?
Practice/training to ensure all understand the tactics
Give individuals specific responsibility/set goals
Explain specific roles within the team
Give feedback/video analysis of performance/ reinforcement
Develop peer support/encourage each other/encourage open
discussion/an effective leader
Vary practice to maintain motivation/train in small groups
Improve fitness levels
Team bonding exercises/social outings
Avoid social cliques
Create a group identity eg team kit
Develop self-confidence/self-efficacy/self-esteem/ credit use of
attributions
Maintain team stability if possible/limit change
130
What is Steiner's Model (1972) ?
Actual productivity + potential productivity - losses due to faulty processes
131
What is actual productivity ?
How the team actually performs
132
What is potential productivity ?
The best possible performance of the group, considering the resources available and players' ability
133
What are losses due to faulty processes ?
Communication losses - poor team work, tactics and communication
Motivational losses - loss of motivation, concentration and low self confidence an cause low effort
134
What is social loafing ?
When individuals in a group lose motivation and hide within the group, not putting in 100% effort
135
What can cause social loafing ?
Lack of confidence
Poor leadership
Goals meaningless
Negative attitude
Poor fitness level
Cliques
Efforts gone unnoticed
136
What is the Ringlemann effect ?
Noticed that social loafing occurs when the group size increases
137
What are the strategies to improve social loafing ?
Recognise/ reward players efforts
Use statistics (tackle count, distance run, assists)
Goal setting
Performance and process goals (not just outcome)
Video analysis
Increased fitness level
Small sided games (accountability)
