Sports Psychology

Question 1

Practice and Performance

Answer 1

If we practice more our performance will rapidly improve

Question 2

The audience effect

Answer 2

An audience is more likely to improve our performance on a simple or mastered task however it will hinder our performance on a complex or new and yet-to-be mastered task

Question 3

Mental Imagery

Answer 3

Allows a person to practice whenever they want. Research suggests that mental practice can lead to better performance and can be as powerful as physical practice.

Question 4

Mental imagery includes

Answer 4

• Vivid images
• Slow motion
• Observation of experts

Question 5

Motivation

Answer 5

Motivation is an internal force that activates, directs and sustains behaviour towards the attainment of a goal

Question 6

Intrinsic motivation

Answer 6

Motivation that results from internal factors operating within an individual. Eg. Personal bests, making someone proud

Question 7

Extrinsic motivation

Answer 7

Motivation that results from rewards that are external to the individual. Eg. Money, awards, titles.

Question 8

Long term goals

Answer 8

Goals a person wants to achieve over a long period of time.

Question 9

Short term goals

Answer 9

Goals a person wants to achieve in a relatively short period of time (less than 12 months)

Question 10

SMART

Answer 10

Specific
Measurable 
Achievable
Realistic
Time Bound

Question 11

Process for goals

Answer 11

1. Goals setting (SMART)
2. Commitment to action
3. Review regularly
4. Rewards

Question 12

Stress

Answer 12

Stress in a state of physical tension produced by internal or external forces, and usually requires and individual to make an adjustment as the feel that they are unable to cope.

Question 13

Arousal

Answer 13

Arousal is a persons overall state of alertness and readiness for action.

Arousal to low = under arousal = lack of interest, poor performance

Arousal to high = over arousal = anxiety, stress, poor performance

Question 14

Yerkes-Dodson law

Answer 14

This law states that we need to maintain a level of arousal that is optimal in a given situation in order to perform at our best.

Question 15

Choking

Answer 15

Choking is when an athlete is unable to perform a well-learned or well-rehearsed skill. Choking occurs suddenly and is mainly caused by intense pressure and mental interference.

Question 16

Overcoming choking

Answer 16

• Environmental techniques
• Physical techniques
• Mental techniques

Question 17

Sensation Seekers

Answer 17

Sensation seekers are those that undertake ‘high risk’ activities due to the desire to reach high arousal levels for an exhilarating experience.

Sensation seekers are those that are uninhibited experience boredom, quite easily and tend to be less stressed.

Question 18

What is sports psychology?

Answer 18

Deals with:

• Competitive anxiety and arousal
• Improve self-confidence and motivation
• Goal setting
• Learning and perfecting new skills
• Effective team work