ST Psych

Question 1

Describe banduras theory of self efficacy

Answer 1

The idea that self confidence is influenced by 4 factors:
Performance accomplishments
Vicarious experiences(watching others perform and succeed)
Verbal persuasion
Emotional arousal

Question 2

What are the 3 dimensions of anxiety in sport?

Answer 2

Cognitive

Somatic behavioural

Question 3

What two types of anxiety are there in sport

Answer 3

Trait

State

Question 4

What are the 4 theories links anxiety and arousal or performance?

Answer 4

Drive
Inverted U
Catastrophe
The processing efficiency theory

Question 5

Describe the processing efficiency theory

Answer 5

The idea that anxiety may effect processing efficiency as opposed to task effectiveness

Question 6

Define choking

Answer 6

An athletes inability to perform at an optimum level, resulting in the sudden impairment or failure of sports performance

Question 7

Give 6 strategies to prevent anxiety and choking

Answer 7

Setting achievable goals
Using imagery
Positive self talk 
Cue utilisation 
Relaxation exercises 
Music

Question 8

What is aggression?

Answer 8

Intent to harm outside the rules of the game

Question 9

Describe the two theories to explain the occurrence of aggression in sport

Answer 9

Instinct theory - that aggression is an innate biological drive and sport simply provides an outlet
Social learning theory - that people learn to be aggressive by watching others

Question 10

3 strategies to reduce aggression?

Answer 10

Internal control of arousal levels
Punishment of aggressive acts
Positive reinforcement on non-aggressive acts

Question 11

How is home advantage maximised?

Answer 11

Through indoor sports, and making the crowd closer to the performers

Question 12

What is social facilitation?

Answer 12

The presence of others either having a positive or negative effect on performance

Question 13

How does the ringleman affect social facilitation

Answer 13

He explains performance only increased up to a certain number of group members, and after that some in the group may hide behind others and rely on them - social loafing

Question 14

Give 6 strategies to help performers cope with crowds

Answer 14

Practise selective attention
Cognitive visualisation techniques such as imagery or mental rehearsal
Ensure essential skills are over learned to ensure dominant response is successful
Use evaluative practises
Practise with simulated crowd noises
Incorporate stress management and relaxation techniques into training

Question 15

What is evaluation apprehension?

Answer 15

The idea that the key influence on performance was not simply the presence of others, but whether the performer feels they are being evaluated

Question 16

How does the importance of competition influence anxiety and performance

Answer 16

More important the competition, higher level of state anxiety. Most of the pressure comes from external sources. The way the performer perceives the extra pressure is key to controlling anxiety

Question 17

Define competitive anxiety

Answer 17

An individual’s tendency to perceive competitive situations as threatening and to respond to these situations by experiencing state anxiety

Question 18

How do environmental factors influence anxiety and performance?

Answer 18

The effect of the environment depends on the people in that setting. Novice performers perform best in low arousal environments. Nature of audience also has an influence, as does proximity of crowd

Question 19

What psychological traits do most successful performers have?

Answer 19

High self confidence
Task oriented focus
Control of anxiety levels
Determination and commitment