Aggression in sport

Question 1

Aggression definition + example

Answer 1

Intent to harm outside the rule; hostile behaviour

Headbutt in football

Question 2

Assertion definition + example

Answer 2

Well-monitored behaviour within the rules

Rugby tackle

Question 3

Instrumental aggression

Answer 3

Has an intent but is within the rules

(Boxing)

Question 4

What are the 4 theories about aggression?

Answer 4

Instinct theory
The frustration-aggression hypothesis
Aggressive cue hypothesis
Social learning theory

Question 5

Instinct theory + example

Answer 5

When aggression is spontaneous and innate
- animal instinct so when attacked instinct is to defend it
- when aggressive act undertaken, aggressor may calm down with ‘catharisis’ - when a more controlled approach is restored

E.g. reaction to bad foul or defending home territory

Question 6

The frustration-aggression hypothesis + example

Answer 6

When goals are blocked and performer becomes frustrated
- performer prevented from achieving aim so build up frustration leads to aggressive tendencies
- if aggressive drive not released, self punishment will occur

E.g.
poor play by teammate, disagreement with ref

Question 7

Aggressive cue hypothesis + example

Answer 7

Suggests that aggression is caused by a learned trigger
- may only occur if certain learned ‘cues’ are present to act as a stimulus to act aggressively

E.g.
Pushing and grabbing during a corner kick (jostle for their place and corner kick becomes aggressive cue)

Question 8

Social learning theory + example

Answer 8

Learning by associating with others and copying behaviour
- observe, identify, reinforce and copy
- learnt from significant others

E.g. you see a foul go unseen by ref so you copy it next time

Question 9

Ways to prevent aggression

Answer 9

• send them off
• apply rules consistently + fairly
• do not reinforce aggressive acts in training
• set non-aggressive goals
• talk to players to calm them down
• issue bans
• punish aggression with bans