Sport Psychology

Question 1

Trait theory of personality

Answer 1

Suggests personality is inherited and unchanging
For example a performer would be aggressive in all situations
The theory is scrutinised as it doesn’t consider the effect that the environment has on personality

Question 2

Introvert

Answer 2

Shy/ reserved.
Prefer isolation from others
Prefer individual sports like golf

Question 3

Extrovert

Answer 3

Outgoing and sociable
Interact well with others
Prefer team sports

Question 4

Neurotic

Answer 4

Unpredictable moods
Unpredictable emotions
High stress levels

Question 5

Stable personality

Answer 5

Predictable moods and emotions

Low stress levels

Question 6

Social learning theory

Answer 6

Personality is learnt
The performer observes and imitates a role model
For example a performer will observe a role model displaying aggressive behaviour (a tackle in football)
If it is positively reinforced then the performer will repeat the action ( winning the ball)
However it doesn’t consider genetic factors

Question 7

Interactionist theory

Answer 7

Combination of trait and social learning theory
Suggests behaviour is affected by genetics and the environment
B= F(PE) behaviour is the function of personality and the environment
Players can change behaviour depending on the situation
In stable environments, behaviour is consistent , but behaviour is inconsistent in changing environments.
E.g. a performer may be calm off pitch and aggressive on pitch

Question 8

Advantages and disadvantages of observations

Answer 8

Advantages
—————-
High validity when observed in their natural environment

Disadvantages
———————
Low validity when they know they are being watched due to social desirability
Low reliability as the observer will see different results each time
Subjective data is collected
Time and cost consuming

Question 9

Advantages and disadvantages of questionnaires

Answer 9

Advantages 
——————-
High reliability as the same results are given each time 
Objective data given 
Time and cost effective 

Disadvantages
———————-
Low validity due to social desirability
May not allow performers to expand on answers

Question 10

Advantages and disadvantages of interviews

Answer 10

Advantages
——————-
Greater validity than questionnaires as they can expand on answers

Disadvantages 
———————
Validity may be hindered due to social desirability 
Not as reliable as questionnaires 
Subjective data found 
Expensive and time consuming

Question 11

Profile of mood states (POMS)

Answer 11

POMS is a self report questionnaire used in talent identification programmes
It measures 6 emotions : tension,depression,anger,vigour,fatigue,confusion
Elite athletes will show an iceberg profile with high levels of vigour and low in all other emotions
Non elite athletes will show a flat line distribution with equal levels in all emotions
However not all elite athletes have an iceberg profile

Question 12

Attitude

Answer 12

A set of beliefs feelings and values that predispose an individual to feel a certain way towards an attitude object

Question 13

Triadic model components

Answer 13

Cognitive - the way a performer thinks towards an attitude object
Affective - the way a performer feels towards an attitude object
Behavioural- the way a performer acts towards an attitude object

Question 14

Attitude formation

Answer 14

Social learning theory - the performer observes a role model showing sporting or unsporting behaviour

Question 15

Cognitive dissonance

Answer 15

The coach wants to create conflict in the performers mind
They do this by changing a component of the Triadic model
Cognitive- if they don’t think training is beneficial then show them factual data to prove it
Affective- if they don’t enjoy training, vary the training to make it fun
Behavioural- if they don’t try hard praise them when they show effort