Evaluation apprehension and Preventing Inhibition

Question 1

Define Evaluation apprehension

Answer 1

Is the perceived fear of being judged. Being watched by someone important or experts in that sport, is going to have quite an intense response, it could either really motivate you (facilitation) or increase anxiety and arousal to very high levels, meaning a significant reduction in performance (Inhibition) The difference is that you are not only observed but a judgement is being made on the performance.

Question 2

When can evaluation apprehension occur?

Answer 2

If people watching are known to player, family members for example. If performer is feeling less confident about the outcome of the event, they are already feeling unsure, in addition to the pressure from an audience. If the audience is seen to be expert to knowledgable such as a scout. If the audience is critical adding pressure. But also if the audience makes no comment at all this may cause a sense of unease in the performer.

Question 3

What are the 3 ways to prevent social inhibition?

Answer 3

1. Getting players familiar with playing in front of a crowd
2. Gradually introducing evaluation
3. Improving focus and concentration

Question 4

How does getting players familiar with playing in front of a crowd work?

Answer 4

training with distraction of an audience so that they get used to being watched- a concept called familiarisation

Question 5

How does gradually introducing evaluation work?

Answer 5

Not only should the audience be built up gradually but so should the level of assessment/evaluation of the performance. Informal team discussions could be a starting point, by asking players what they thought of their performance, leading to more formal assessments. Encourage support from teammates when audience present. Reduce importance of the event if possible doesn’t depend solely on game.

Question 6

How does improving focus and concentration work?

Answer 6

The players could try to really focus on the fame (relevant) and not the audience (irrelevant). They will use selective attention to help them do so- train with distractions of playing crowd noises for example.

Question 7

What are other strategies to reduce evaluation apprehension?

Answer 7

increase self-efficacy, practice skills until they become grooved, stress management techniques