Chapter 2

Question 1

Define scientific method

Answer 1

A process, or method, of learning about the world through th systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical filtering of knowledge acquired through experience. The goals of the scientific method are to describe, explain, predict, and allow control of behavior

Question 2

Define systematic approach

Answer 2

A process based on applying clearly predefined and repeatable steps

Question 3

Define control

Answer 3

A variable(s) or condition(s) that stays the same and does not influence the primary relationship

Question 4

Define empirical

Answer 4

Based on observation

Question 5

Define critical

Answer 5

Rigorous evaluation by the researcher and other scientists to ensure reliability

Question 6

Define theory

Answer 6

A set of interrelated facts that present a systematic view of some phenomenon to describe, explain, and predict its future occurrences

Question 7

Define social facilitation theory

Answer 7

The tendency for the presence of others to improve a person’s performance on a task

Question 8

Define study

Answer 8

Observing or assessing factors without changing the environment

Question 9

Define experiment

Answer 9

The manipulation and observation of variables to examine how changes in one variable create changes in other variables

Question 10

Define experimental group

Answer 10

A group that receives the treatment whose effect researchers wish to study

Question 11

Define control group

Answer 11

A group that does not receive the treatment whose effect researchers wish to study. It is the standard against which comparisons are made

Question 12

Define unbiased data

Answer 12

Data or facts that speak for themselves and are not influenced by the scientist’s personal feelings

Question 13

Define reductionistic

Answer 13

Reducing or isolating variables to smaller, more manageable parts so that they can be scientifically tested

Question 14

Define internal validity

Answer 14

The extent to which the results of an investigation can be attributed to the treatment used

Question 15

Define external validity

Answer 15

The extent to which the results of an investigation have true significance or utility in the real world

Question 16

Define qualitative data

Answer 16

Data collected through interviews with an individual, focus groups, or observations. It is typically not numerical.

Question 17

Define quantitative data

Answer 17

Numerical data that involves surgery responses such as rating items in importance, objective measures of physical responses like heart rates, or field observations like counting the number of times a coach reinforces the players

Question 18

Define professional practice knowledge

Answer 18

Knowledge gained through experience

Question 19

Define introspection

Answer 19

The examination or reflection of one’s own mental or emotional processes

Question 20

Define systematic observation

Answer 20

A method of quantitative data collection that involves one or more observers, observing events, or behaviors, as they occur, and reliably recording their observations in terms of previously structured codes or numerical categories

Question 21

Define case study

Answer 21

An in depth study of one person, group, or event

Question 22

Define shared public experience

Answer 22

A method in gaining practical knowledge through experience by comparing notes with others from a study or experiment

Question 23

Define intuition

Answer 23

A gut feeling when you instinctively know that something is right or wrong

Question 24

Define RE-AIM model

Answer 24

A model that outlines five factors that interact to affect knowledge transfer: reach, efficacy, adoption, implementation, and maintenance

Question 25

Define psychophysiological orientation

Answer 25

Examining the physiological processes of the brain and their influences on physical activity

Question 26

Define social psychological orientation

Answer 26

A complex interaction between the environment, especially the social environment, and the personal makeup of an athlete or exerciser

Question 27

Define cognitive behavioral orientation

Answer 27

Examining an athlete’s or exerciser’s cognitions or thoughts and behaviors

Question 28

Define science and explain four of its major goals

Answer 28

Science is not simply an accumulation of faCts discovered thorough observations, but rather a process or method of learning about the world through systematic (studying), controlled (keeping key variables the same so they do not influence results), empirical (based on observation), and critical (involves rigorous evaluation by the researcher and other scientists) filtering of knowledge acquires through experience. When we apply science to psychology, the goals are to describe, explain, predict, and allow control of behavior.

Question 29

What is a theory, and why are theories important in sport and exercise psychology?

Answer 29

Theories allow scientists to organize and explain large numbers of facts in a pattern that helps others understand them.

Question 30

Identify the strengths and limitations of scientifically derived knowledge and professional practice knowledge. How does each develop?

Answer 30

Professional practice knowledge is developed by using strategies, then evaluating their effectiveness. Strengths include being more holistic, more innovative, and more immediate. Downsides include being less reliable, lack of explanations, and greater susceptibility to bias. Scientifically derived knowledge is developed by the scientific method and experimenting. Strengths include being highly reliable, systematic and controlled, and more objective and unbiased. Downsides include reductionistic, conservative, often slow to evolve, and lack of focus on external validity (practicality)

Question 31

Describe the gap between research and practice, why it exists, and how it can be bridged.

Answer 31

The gap is caused by a large division between scientific and professional practice knowledge. There are several causes for the gap including: few opportunities to transfer results of research to professionals; some sport and exercise psychologists were overly optimistic about using research to revolutionize the practice of teaching sport and physical activity skills; little connection between laboratory research and actual field situations. It can be bridged by combining the two kinds of knowledge to create effective applied practice.

Question 32

Why does a need exist for certification in contemporary sport and exercise psychology?

Answer 32

To prevent unqualified people from making unsupported claims

Question 33

Identify and briefly describe the six major ethical principles in sport and exercise psychology.

Answer 33

The AASP ethical guidelines are: Competence (maintain the highest standards in their work and recognize limits of expertise) Integrity (Clarifying roles, never falsely advertising, properly informing athletes) Professional and Scientific Responsibility (Always placing the best interests of the clients first) Resect for People's Rights and Dignity (Privacy, confidentiality) Concern for Welfare of Others (Contributing to the welfare of those with whom they work) Social Responsibility (Contributing to knowledge and human welfare)

Question 34

Why do contemporary sport psychologists need to take a global perspective?

Answer 34

Because new knowledge and best practices are rapidly being developed in a host of European, Asian, and South American countries, and this will help us understand which principles generalize across cultures, and which are culturally bound

Question 35

Describe the active approach to using sport and exercise psychology

Answer 35

Actively developing knowledge, and blending scientific knowledge with professional practice knowledge.

Question 36

What are some examples of where professional practice knowledge comes from?

Answer 36

Scientific method, systematic observation, single case study, shared public experience, introspection (examining thoughts and feelings), intuition (immediate understanding of knowledge in the absence of conscious, rational process)