Sports Psychology Topics Flashcards
Describe how the ‘frustration-aggression hypothesis’ can be used to explain an aggressive act in sport. Use an example in your answer. (Total 4 marks)
AO1 (sub-max 3 marks)
• Blocked goal causes frustration (1).
• Frustration causes aggression (1).
• Release of aggression has cathartic effect/catharsis (1).
AO2 (sub-max 1 mark)
• Opponent in football consistently blocks your path, resultant frustration leads to aggressive act, eg pushing the opponent (1).
During competitive situations, performers may display aggressive behaviour.
Suggest three strategies a coach could use to eliminate aggressive behaviour. (3marks)
• Punish aggressive acts/fine player/drop for next match or equiv (1)
• Develop players’ code of conduct/promote fair play (1)
• Remove from situation/change position/substitution/change tactics (1)
• Encourage peer support/group pressure (1)
• Give role of responsibility/set performance goals/process goals (1)
• Highlight non-aggressive/positive role models (1)
• Reduce importance of event/avoid ‘win at all cost’ attitude (1)
• Stress management techniques/accept named examples (1)
• Rewards/positive reinforcement for assertive play (1)
• Develop fitness levels (1)
Sporting contests require the performer’s full commitment, both physically and psychologically. The performance of some individuals can be hindered by over-arousal.
Explain, using appropriate psychological theories, the possible causes of aggressive behaviour during sporting contests and suggest strategies that a coach could use to develop the assertive behaviour of a performer.
(15 marks)
Instinct (Theory) / Trait (Theory)
Aggression is innate / born with aggressive traits
Aggression builds up and has to be released
Displacement theory / individuals wait for acceptable time to be aggressive, eg sport
Cathartic effect / catharsis
‘Stress relief’ too vague
Frustration – Aggression (Hypothesis / theory)
Frustration – Aggression Hypothesis must be named in full, NOT FA hypothesis
Blocked goal causes frustration
Frustration causes aggression
Can only be awarded if correct context of a goal being blocked is included
Release of aggression has cathartic effect / catharsis
Aggressive Cue (Hypothesis) / Cue Arousal (Theory)
Frustration builds but aggression only released when socially desirable cue present, eg referee can’t see you / coach encourages you to be aggressive
Social Learning (Theory)
Aggression in learnt by observing and copying others / Vicarious experience
Reinforcement causes behaviour to be repeated / or appropriate applied example
Strategies to develop assertive behaviour
Answers should focus on strategies the coach could use, not officials, NGBs or the individual
Punish aggressive acts / fine player / drop for next match or equiv
Develop player’s code of conduct / promote fair play
Focus is on encouraging non-aggressive behaviour
Remove from situation / change position / substitution / change tactics
Encourage peer support / group pressure
Give role of responsibility / set performance goals / process goals
Highlight non-aggressive / positive role models
Reduce importance of event / avoid ‘win at all cost’ attitude
Stress management techniques / accept named examples
Rewards / positive reinforcement for assertive play
Focus is on rewarding non-aggressive behaviour
Develop fitness levels
During competitive matches players may become over-aroused and commit aggressive acts, such as foul play.
The diagram shows the frustration-aggression hypothesis, which offers one explanation for the cause of aggressive behaviour.
Using other psychological theories of aggression, explain the weaknesses of the frustration-aggression hypothesis. (Total 4 marks)
ANot all frustration leads to aggression
BNot all aggression is the result of frustration
CNo allowance for situation/environment
DCue-arousal theory/aggressive cue hypothesis suggests aggression occurs when specific cues are present
EInstinct/Trait Theory suggests aggression is innate
FInstinct/Trait Theory suggests built up energy has to be released/cathartic effect
GSocial learning Theory/Observational Learning suggests behaviour is copied from others
