Sports Psychology Mr McGarrity (Paper 2) Flashcards
What is arousal ?
it is a state of activation experienced by athletes before or during/after a performance. It is a energised and ready state.
What is the drive theory ?
this is where as arousal increases so does your performance.
What is the drive theory dependant on ?
The drive theory is dependant on what stages of learning you are as high arousal affects your decision making . Your dominant response is your response you are most likely to produce. A cognitive learner is likely to make more mistakes as their arousal level increase as their dominant action is not likely to be the right response. Whereas with a autonomous performer they are more likely to produce a correct action as arousal levels increase.
What is the Inverted-U theory ?
this theory suggests that as arousal increases so does performance, but only up to an optimal point. After the optimal point performance begins to decrease.
What does the optimal level depend on in the Inverted-U theory ?
experience, personality and the difficulty of the task
What is the catastrophe theory ?
this is where as arousal increases so does performance until there is a sudden slump in performance
How is the sudden slump caused in the catastrophe theory ?
it is caused by both somatic anxiety and cognitive anxiety
Do different athletes have different zones of optimal functioning ?
yes
How does an athlete feel during the flow state ?
- confident
- calm
- in control of their actions
How can peak flow be disrupted ?
- poor mental preparation
- pressure from the crowd
- fatigue
What is anxiety ?
this is a state of nervousness and irrational thinking
What are the 4 types of different anxieties ?
- Competitive trait anxiety
- Competitive state anxiety
- Cognitve Anxiety
- Somatic Anxiety
What is competitive trait anxiety ?
this is a genetically inherited anxiety, where a person feels nervous in most sporting situations
What is competitive state anxiety ?
this is a temporary rush of anxiety that is caused by a threatening situation like a penalty in football
If a person has high trait anxiety are they more likely to experience competitive state anxiety during a stressful situation ?
yes
What is cognitive anxiety ?
This is a psychological anxiety, which is caused by irrational thinking. This will cause a lack of concentration.
What is somatic anxiety ?
this is a physiological anxiety. The symptoms of this anxiety are: increase in heart rate, sweating, muscular tension and potential sickness.
How does somatic anxiety affect arousal levels?
an increase in somatic anxiety leads to an increase in performance, however only up to a certain point. As when you pass the optimal point, performance begins to fall.
How does cognitive anxiety affect arousal levels ?
this has a negative effect on arousal levels. As cognitive anxiety increases, performance decreases.
What are advantages of a questionnaire ?
- data produced can be analysed quickly, therefore players could start seeing benefits to their performance sooner
- cheap
- efficient: large numbers of people can be measured quickly
How can anxiety be measured ?
- self-report questionnaire
- observation
- Physiological testing
What are disadvantages of a questionnaire ?
- players might not answer truthfully, affecting the validity of the data
- dependant on mood
- time pressure could cause answers to be rushed leading to incorrect responses
What is an example of a questionnaire ?
Sports Competition Anxiety test (SCAT)
What are advantages of observation ?
true to life
What are disadvantages of observation ?
- subjective
- time consuming as prior knowledge of performer is required
What are advantages of physiological measuring ?
- results are factual
- can be measured in both training and competition. Advances in technology mean that heart rate can be measured by electronic devices in clothing and relayed immediately back to the coach.
What are disadvantages of physiological measuring ?
- training is required to use devices
- cost may deter amateurs
- wearing a device can restrict movement, thus affecting performance
What are the benefits of goal setting ?
- improves confidence as performer experiences improvements in their technique
- if a player achieves their goals they experience pride and satisfaction, therefore this increases intrinsic motivation.
- can increase motivation
What are outcome goals ?
these are goals based on results. For example winning the FA cap. Evaluation of the outcome goals is based on performance/outcome of others. If goal is reached motivation is maintained and if not it can negatively affect motivation and confidence
What are task-orientated goals ?
these are goals which are focused on the technique and individual performance of the player. An example of this is improving their personal best in long jump. Evaluation of a task-orientated goals is comparing with previous personal performances.
What make up the SMARTER principles ?
- Specific
- Measured
- Achievable
- Realistic
- Time-bound
- Evaluate
- Re-do
What is specific in terms of smarter principles ?
- goals have to be specific to performer
- goals should be clear/relevant
What is measured in terms of smarter principles ?
form of assessment, such as statistics, to see how much progress has been made
What is achievable in terms of smarter principles ?
goals should be attainable
What is realistic in terms of smarter principles ?
should be within reach to maintain motivation .If goal is too easy, then not enough effort will be put in. If goal is too hard then anxiety can be caused.
What is time-bound in terms of smarter principle ?
- short/long term goals are set
- deadline should be set to see if goal has been reached
What is evaluate in terms of smarter principle ?
performer/coach should evaluate how and when goals was achieved, so that future attempts at reaching target can be assessed.
What is re-do in terms of smarter principle ?
if goal has not been reached, progress is slow, or performer thinks he can do better, then they should do it again.
What is motivation ?
the drive needed to succeed
What are the two types of motivation ?
*Intrinsic motivation
* Extrinsic motivation
What is intrinsic motivation ?
motivation from within. It is a feeling of pride/satisfaction.
What is extrinsic motivation ?
motivation from outside influences. Such as a coach. Extrinsic motivation can have tangible/intangible rewards. Tangible rewards are physical, whereas intangible rewards are non-physical
How can a coach maintain extrinsic/intrinsic motivation ?
- using rewards early on
- make the activity enjoyable
- pointing out role models for performer to aspire to
What is achievement motivation ?
looks at how much desire a player has to succeed
What is a need to achieve (NACH) performer ?
this is a performer who will keep on trying when things are tough, and they approach competition with enthusiasm and have a approach behaviour.
What are the characteristics of a NACH performer ?
- they are confident
- take risks
- seek pride from their performance
What are need to avoid performers (NAF) performers ?
this is where a performer has a need to avoid competition and seek safe and secure options rather than risky ones. They show avoidance behaviour.
What are the characteristics of a NAF performer ?
- they will give up easily
- lack confidence
- take the easy option
What sporting situations attract what type of performer ?
if the task is easy then NAF performer will will be drawn to these situations, however no sense of pride will be achieved. If the task is difficult and might not be completed successfully then NACH performer will be drawn to these situations, and will gain lots of pride if success is achieved.
What are the 5 different types of strategies coaches uses to develop NACH performers ?
- Reinforcement
- Attributing success internally
- Allowing success
- Improving confidence
- Goal setting
How is reinforcement a strategy to develop NACH performers ?
coaches should offer praise/rewards to players who achieve their goal, so they continue to have the desire to do well in the future.
How is attributing success internally a strategy to develop NACH performers ?
the coach should tell players that success was achieved because of something that they have done.
How is allowing success a strategy to develop NACH performers ?
the coach should set tasks that can be accomplished in early development to improve confidence
How is goal setting a strategy to develop NACH performers ?
goals should be achievable, and then new challenges should be set. These should not only concern winning, but also improving performance.
What does achievement goal theory suggest ?
it suggests that motivation/task persistence depends on the type of goal set by the performer whether it is a outcome goal or a task-orientated goal.
Why is a task-orientated goal seen as better than an outcome goal ?
with an outcome goal if the performer fails to reach that goal that can lead to a loss of motivation/confidence. In addition if outcome goal is deemed to difficult they will be discouraged or simply do a easier task, which will prevent them from improving. However with task-orientated goal success can be achieved regardless of the result and therefore confidence is maintained.
What are the two types of confidence ?
- Trait Confidence
- State Confidence
What is trait confidence ?
this is a consistent level of confidence shown in most situations.
What is state confidence ?
this is where levels of confidence vary depending on the sporting situation a person is in . Confidence is also affected by personality and experience.
What components are part of Vealey’s Model of Sports confidence ?
- Objective Sporting Situation
- State Confidence
- Performance outcome
- Subjective outcome
- Trait Confidence
- Competitive Orientation
What is objective sporting situation in Vealey’s model ?
type of skill to be performed and the situation in which the skill is to be performed in.
What is competitive orientation in Vealey’s model ?
this is the extent to which an individual is prepared to compete
What is Subjective outcome in Vealey’s model ?
the extent to which an athlete perceives that they have been successful. If an athlete judges their performance as poor then trait confidence as well as competitiveness will decrease. If they judge their performance as good, this will increase trait confidence and competitiveness.
What does the term self-efficacy mean ?
this is the belief in your ability to master a specific sporting situation. It is usually caused by an increase in confidence, when a performer feels pride.
What are the 4 factors that affect self-efficacy ?
- Performance Accomplishments
- Vicarious Experiences
- Verbal Persuasion
- Emotional Arousal
What is performance accomplishment as a factor for affecting self-efficacy ?
athlete is reminded of previous successes in the related skill or situation
What is Vicarious Experience as a factor for affecting self-efficacy ?
when an athlete watches others of similar ability perform the problem skill successfully.
What is verbal persuasion as a factor for affecting self-efficacy ?
this is convincing the athlete that they have the ability to perform the skill. Such as praise from a coach or a significant other.
What is emotional arousal as a factor for affecting self-efficacy ?
this is when an athlete keeps calm and maintains arousal to ensure a good performance.
What are some strategies to improve confidence ?
- mental practise
- Set tasks within ability
- Point out past successes
- Stress Management techniques
What is mental practise as a strategy for improving confidence ?
athlete go overs sporting situation or skill in the mind
What is sets tasks within ability as a strategy for improving confidence ?
allows success: if tasks are too hard confidence will be lost
What is pointing out past successes as a strategy for improving confidence ?
this is highlighting previous successes as it will give players the confidence that they can repeat the good performance
What is stress management techniques as a strategy for improving confidence ?
helps to control arousal, the lower the anxiety the higher the confidence
How does the home team play better when playing at home ?
- increased motivation from the supporters
- leads to functional assertive behaviour
- leads to social facilitation
What is functional assertive behaviour in terms of home field advantage ?
this is where the home crowd can cause the home team to play with more drive, assertion and more correct responses
What is social facilitation in terms of home field advantage ?
this is where people player better in the presence of others
How does the home crowd have a negative effect on the away team ?
- increases anxiety with hostile chanting
- leads to social inhibition
What is social inhibition in terms of home field advantage ?
this is where people play worse in the presence of others
How can the home crowd cause the home team to play worse ?
- could cause an increase in pressure to perform well, leading to an increase in arousal levels, which could lead to catastrophe
What is the proximal effect in terms of home field advantage ?
home field advantage is increased when the crowd are closer to the pitch
What is eustress ?
this is the positive feeling of stress
What are some of the causes of stress ?
- injury
- playing an important match
- playing for an important award
What is cognitive stress ?
this is psychological. It includes negative thoughts, which leads to a loss of concentration. This loss of concentration could be link to attentional narrowing.
What is attentional narrowing ?
this is where a persons ability to take in information from the environment is reduced due to increased anxiety. Therefore important information may be missed due to increased levels of stress.
What is somatic stress ?
this is physiological. This includes an increase in heart rate, sweating and muscular tension. This can lead to a decrease in performance.
What are the different cognitive stress management techniques ?
- Thought stopping
- Positive self-talk
- Imagery/Visualisation
- Attentional Control
- Mental Rehearsal
What is thought stopping as a cognitive stress management technique ?
a learned action to stop negative thoughts and redirect attention back on the task. To be successful it must be practised
What is positive self talk as a cognitive stress management technique ?
replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts
What is attentional control as a cognitive stress management technique ?
this is preventing stress by changing focus to relevant stimuli
What is visualisation/imagery as a cognitive stress management technique ?
this is recreating an image of an action from a past performance. For example doing the action in training, which then can be re-lived during the real game. Visualisation can be internal or external. External is the player visualising themselves performing that skill as if they were on television. Internal is looking and that feelings of performing the action such as kinesthesis.
What is Mental Rehearsal as a cognitive stress management technique ?
this is going over the movements in the mind before an action takes place.
What is cue utilisation ?
this is a theory that states that arousal levels affect a athletes attention during performance. At high levels of arousal only limited information can be processed leading to important information on being missed out on, leading to attentional wastage. At low levels of arousal the athlete is able to take in plenty of cues. At optimum levels of arousal the performer can pick up the relevant information and the performance will be most successful.
What are attentional styles ?
these are used to avoid attentional wastage and are used for different sporting situations. If used correctly stress should be lowered and performance improved. An experienced player can switch through these attentional styles during a game.
What are the different attentional styles ?
- Broad: when lots of cues are identified
- Narrow: focusing on one or two cues only
- External: information from the environment
- Internal: information from within
What are the 4 combination of attentional styles ?
- Broad/External
- Broad/Internal
*Narrow/Internal
*Narrow/External
What are the 3 different somatic stress management techniques ?
*Biofeedback
* Progressive muscular tension
* Centring
What is biofeedback as a somatic stress management technique ?
this is the use of a measuring device to recognise physical changes that happen during a game, such as heart rate, sweating and muscular tension.
What is centring as a somatic stress management technique ?
this is a from of breathing control. The performer learns to relax the shoulder and chest while concentrating on slow controlled breaths. This diverts attention away from stressful situations.
What is progressive muscular tension as a somatic stress management technique ?
this is where muscles are tensed and then relaxed from the periphery of the body to the core.
What does the term personality mean ?
this is the sum total of an individuals characteristics which them unique
What are the 3 different personality techniques ?
- Trait Perspective
- Social Learning Perspective
- Interactionist Approach
What is a trait ?
this is a characteristic of personality which is inherited from birth
What were Eysenck’s 4 different personality types ?
- Extrovert: outgoing, sociable
- Introvert: shy, nervous
- Neurotic: display extreme and unpredictable behaviour
- Stable: display predictable emotions in appropriate situations
What are the limitations to the Trait Perspective approach ?
- Can be seen as unreliable. As this theory views traits as fixed and long lasting. In addition not consistent in accurately predicting behaviour.
- Fail to take into account the effect of a situation on an individuals behaviour
- Does not take into account that people adapt their behaviour dependant on the situation in which they are in.
What is the social learning theory ?
this is the belief that learning occurs through interacting with the environment and through the socialisation and influence of other people
What is the interactionist approach ?
This is proposed by Hollander and he proposes that personality has 3 levels that interact with each other to form personality. This is also known as Hollanders Concentric Ring Theory.
What are the 3 levels involved in Hollanders Concentric Ring Theory ?
- Psychological core: this is where beliefs and values remain the same
- Typical Responses: this is how an individual would usually respond in certain environmental situations
- Role related behaviour: this is where an individual would act different in certain situations
What is the interactionist view ?
this combines the trait and social learning perspectives. It proposes that personality and behaviour is formed when genetically inherited traits are triggered by the environment.
What is attitude ?
this is a mode of behaviour and is the typical response of an individual. Attitude can be positive and negative. Attitude can influence behaviour in a given situation.
How is attitude formed ?
- through experiences
- through socialisation: observing and interacting with significant others
- through reinforcement
- Familiarity: experienced something a lot
What is the triadic model of attitudes ?
this is the theory that attitude has 3 main components:
* cognitive component: this is what you think; it represents your beliefs
- affective component: your feelings/emotions
- behavioural component: what you do: actions of the performer
What are the two theories that are set out to change attitude ?
- cognitive dissonance theory
- Persuasive communication theory
What is the cognitive dissonance theory ?
this theory suggests that if a person hold two opposing ideas, dissonance will arise. It also states that altering any of the 3 components of attitude can bring about change
What is persuasive communication theory ?
there are 4 elements to this theory:
* The persuader: the person needs to be seen significant and of high status
- The message: the message needs to be conveyed in a way that makes the person want to change attitude
- The recipient: the change of attitude is made easier if the recipient already wants to change
- The situation: timing the persuasion correctly so that most amount of change can be brought about and having support for encouragement
What are the 5 strategies to improve a performer’s attitude ?
- reward successful elements of a performance
- use positive role models
- give positive reinforcement for correct behaviour/attitude
- negative reinforcement for unacceptable behaviour
- ensure training is enjoyable to maintain motivation
What is aggression ?
- intent to harm
- outside of the rules
- reactive
What is assertion ?
- controlled
- not intended to harm
- goal-directed
What is Instinct Theory of aggression ?
this is a trait perspective theory and claims that all performers are born with aggressive tendencies, which will arise if provoked.
What is the social learning theory of aggression ?
aggression is seen as a learned response. Aggression can be copied from others, especially if reinforced. Aggression is learned from significant others such as: role models, teammates or a coach.
What is the frustration aggression hypothesis ?
this theory suggests that aggression occurs when goals are blocked and the performer becomes frustrated. This then leads to catharsis, where the aggressive act will reduce the aggressive drive. However if the performer is unable to release the aggression, the self-punishment will occur, leading to further frustration and an increase in the aggressive drive.
What are some of the reasons as to why people react aggressively due to frustration in sport ?
- poor play by the performer themselves
- losing a game
- disagreement with the official
What is the aggressive cue hypothesis ?
this theory suggests that an increase in frustration, will lead to an increase in arousal and an increase in an aggressive response. However an aggressive response will only occur if learned cues are present to trigger the stimulus.
How can players prevent aggression ?
- walk away from a situation
- use mental rehearsal to lower arousal
- set non-aggressive goals
How can coaches prevent aggression ?
- substitute an aggressive player
- reinforce non-aggressive behaviour
- point out non-aggressive role models
How can officials reduce aggression ?
- talk to players to calm them down
- apply sanctions immediately
- punish player by sending them off
What was Zajonc’s theory to do with social facilitation and inhibition ?
he proposed that in sport there are 4 types of others who can be present when playing sport:
* the audience: spectators
* the competitors : in direct competition
* the co-actors: doing the same thing but not in direct competition
* social reinforcers: direct influence on the performance, such as coach
Do the audience and co-actors have a passive influence on the performer ?
yes
Do the competitors and social reinforcers have a direct influence on the performer ?
yes
What factors lead to social inhibition or social facilitation ?
- experience of player: beginner will experience anxiety and over arousal when being watched, because they have little experience in the sport and are less likely to perform the correct movement automatically and will need much thought, and with the addition of pressure from the crowd, they are less likely in performing that correct movement.(social inhibition). Expert will be able to cope with the demands of the crowd and will be motivated by the support, because their actions will be well learned, therefore less thought upon performing the action. Therefore action can be well performed even under pressure.(social facilitation)
- complexity of the skill: if the skill is simple then little concentration is needed, therefore more likely to perform correctly ( social facilitation). if the skill is complex it will require lots of information processing. and the ability to do this is reduced in stressful situations or when being watched, this will then increase in arousal and then less likely to deal with lots of information and then leading to social inhibition
What is evaluation apprehension ?
this is the perceived fear of being judged by significant others when being watched. However this can have a positive and negative effect, depending on the type of performer. A nach performer will more likely flourish when being watched and naf performer may crumble under the pressure when being watched.
What is Tuckman’s theory of group formation ?
This is his theory that a team must go through 4 stages to begin working as a unit:
Forming: this is where the group gets to know each other.
Storming: potential conflict in this stage as individuals compete to establish their positions, status or role
Norming: once conflict has been resolved, the team settles down and begins to cooperate.
Performing: all the players are working together as one to achieve their goals. Players support each other and understand their role in the team
What factors affect how long it takes for a team to start working well together ?
- size of the group
- difficulty of the task
- experience of the players
What are the two types of cohesion ?
task cohesion: looks at the end of result of the team and everyone on the team fulfilling their individual role to achieve their goal
social cohesion: its the interaction between the members and how they work together to achieve their goals.
What’s an evaluation for social cohesion ?
Positives:
* improve communication and team spirit, therefore increasing the effort of the group in training sessions and competitions
Negative:
* might cause sub-groups within the team and therefore friction. Decreasing team corporation and leading to social loafing
What are the main components of Steiner’s Model ?
- Actual Productivity: the team performance during a game and links to the extent of a successful interaction
- Potential Productivity: the maximum capability of the group when cohesiveness is a its peak
- faulty processes: factors which can go wrong in team performance
What are the two faulty processes ?
- Co-ordination losses ( Ringelmann effect): any breakdown in teamwork of the group.
- Motivational losses ( Social Loafing): an individual who suffers a decrease in motivation during performance and so withdraws effort.
What are factors that cause social loafing ?
- feeling that others in the team are not trying
- feeling that performances are never valued by the coaching staff
- if task is too difficult can cause a loss of motivation
Factors that indirectly affect teamwork ?
- injuries
- low sum of players overall ability
- inadequate leadership
Factors that decrease faulty processes?
- structured training sessions, so that all players know tactics and strategies
- give individuals special roles
- give feedback to team to make improvements
Suggest 5 strategies that a coach could use to reduce social inhibition
- Train in front of a large audience: get used to being watched and learn to cope with other present
- over learn skills: so dominant response becomes correct when arousal increases
- improve selective attention: allows the performer to focus on important cues in the game rather than the audience
- mental rehearsal: so performer remains calm and maintains arousal levels when other are present
- reduce the importance of an event: so players are not put under too much pressure when they perform.
Factors that indirectly affect teamwork ?
- injuries
- low sum of players overall ability
- inadequate leadership
Factors that decrease faulty processes?
- structured training sessions, so that all players know tactics and strategies
- give individuals special roles
- give feedback to team to make improvements
