Topic 3 - Sports Psychology (3) (1)

Question 1

What is the optimal level of arousal?

Answer 1

The optimal level of arousal is the state at which an athlete performs their best, balancing between too low and too high arousal.

Question 2

Name three techniques for decreasing arousal.

Answer 2

• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Controlled breathing
• Meditation

Question 3

List four techniques for increasing arousal.

Answer 3

• Elevated breathing rate
• Acting energetic
• Positive self-talk
• Listening to elevating music

Question 4

What is mental imagery?

Answer 4

Mental imagery involves an athlete visualising performing a skill flawlessly without physical movements, engaging other senses for a complete experience.

Question 5

How does mental imagery improve performance?

Answer 5

It enhances concentration and confidence by mentally rehearsing successful performances.

Question 6

What are the factors vital for an athlete to be at their psychological peak?

Answer 6

• Quality and quantity of sleep
• Self-confidence
• Motivation
• Optimal level of arousal
• Focus (mental imagery)
• Concentration

Question 7

Define self-confidence in sports.

Answer 7

Self-confidence is the belief that an individual can successfully perform a task and achieve their goal.

Question 8

What can negatively impact an athlete’s self-confidence?

Answer 8

Negative comments from coaches or parents can decrease performance, especially if the athlete already feels low or lacks confidence.

Question 9

What is sleep hygiene?

Answer 9

Sleep hygiene refers to the routine an individual goes through before falling asleep, essential for quality sleep.

Question 10

What does motivation refer to in sports?

Answer 10

Motivation is the reason for participating in activities and the driving force behind an athlete’s desire to achieve goals.

Question 11

What is the SMART Goal format?

Answer 11

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Relevant
• Time-bound

Question 12

What is arousal in sports?

Answer 12

Arousal is the degree of activation (body and mind) experienced when faced with a sporting situation, ranging from drowsiness to hyperactivity.

Question 13

What does the inverted U theory suggest?

Answer 13

Performance improves with increased arousal until a certain point, beyond which performance diminishes.

Question 14

List the five steps to enhance self-confidence through positive thinking.

Answer 14

• Identify self-talk
• Evaluate self-talk
• Challenge self-talk
• Generate a positive alternative thought
• Choose to think positively

Question 15

What is ‘choking’ in sports?

Answer 15

Choking refers to negative thoughts and obstacles that impact performance, often requiring athletes to address their self-talk.

Question 16

What are short-term goals?

Answer 16

Short-term goals are smaller goals set within a relatively short time frame (less than a year) that serve as stepping stones towards long-term goals.

Question 17

Define process goals.

Answer 17

Process goals commonly involve skills or activities related to training or practice and are measurable and within the athlete’s control.

Question 18

What are long-term goals?

Answer 18

Long-term goals are bigger objectives that require sustained effort and focus, achieved through a series of short-term goals.

Question 19

What are performance goals?

Answer 19

Performance goals relate to an athlete’s actual performance compared to their own standards, such as achieving a personal best.

Question 20

What are outcome goals?

Answer 20

Outcome goals relate to the result of winning a game or achieving selection for a team, often linked to uncontrollable variables.

Question 21

What are the five categories of performance enhancement?

Answer 21

• Psychological
• Nutritional
• Mechanical
• Pharmacological
• Physiological

Question 22

What is the purpose of performance enhancement?

Answer 22

Methods, devices, or substances that enhance athletic performance.

Question 23

Define doping.

Answer 23

The use by, or distribution to, an athlete of certain substances or methods that could artificially improve physical and/or mental condition.

Question 24

What is the mission of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

Answer 24

To promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms.

Question 25

List two criteria for substances on the WADA Prohibited List.

Answer 25

* Enhances sport performance * Represents a health risk to the athlete * Violates the spirit of sport

Question 26

What is carbohydrate loading?

Answer 26

Decreased training and increased carbohydrate consumption to ensure stores of energy prior to a sporting event.

Question 27

What is the role of protein powders in nutritional enhancement?

Answer 27

Aid in the growth and repair of muscle tissue and cells.

Question 28

What are sports drinks designed for?

Answer 28

To provide fluid and carbohydrates for rehydration and refueling.

Question 29

What is an example of illegal mechanical enhancement?

Answer 29

Super suits, sticky gloves, wooden baseball bats, self-correcting golf balls, Nike’s Vaporfly running shoes.

Question 30

What are the side effects of anabolic steroids?

Answer 30

* Increased risk of liver tumours and cancer * Irritability, mood swings, aggression or depression * Reproductive organ shrinkage in those born with testes * Loss of periods and masculine characteristics in those born with ovaries

Question 31

What is the effect of caffeine as a legal performance enhancer?

Answer 31

Increases energy release in muscles, alertness, and concentration.

Question 32

What are beta blockers used for in sports?

Answer 32

To reduce stress and anxiety, advantageous in sports requiring fine motor control.

Question 33

What is erythropoietin (EPO) used for?

Answer 33

Stimulating the production of red blood cells to improve oxygen transport.

Question 34

Fill in the blank: Techniques designed to augment natural physiological processes that generate physical power are known as _______.

Answer 34

Physiological enhancements.

Question 35

What sociocultural factors influence athletes to undertake doping?

Answer 35

* Income and influence of self, family, peers * Influence of coaches and sporting organizations * Particular sporting cultures * National and political ideology

Question 36

True or False: Supporters of anti-doping codes believe that the use of any illegal substances is cheating.

Answer 36

True

Question 37

What is high altitude training designed to do?

Answer 37

Increase the body's ability to produce red blood cells and improve endurance.

Question 38

What are the risks associated with blood doping?

Answer 38

Increased blood volume can cause clotting, heart attacks, strokes, and death.

Question 39

What is the purpose of IV drips in performance enhancement?

Answer 39

To increase hydration levels or mask the use of a prohibited substance.

Question 40

What was the impact of the sticky gloves incident in the AFL?

Answer 40

Banned six brands of gloves that allowed players greater grip on the ball.

Question 41

What is the significance of the Nike Vaporfly running shoes in competitive sports?

Answer 41

Banned from competition after Eliud Kipchoge's record marathon for providing an unfair advantage.

Question 42

What is sports psychology?

Answer 42

The study of mental factors that influence athletic performance ## Footnote Sports psychology focuses on understanding how psychological factors affect performance and how participation in sport and exercise affects psychological and physical factors.

Question 43

What are the main factors that allow an athlete to perform at their psychological peak?

Answer 43

Psychological strategies including: * Sleep * Self-confidence (positive self-talk) * Motivation (goal setting) * Optimal arousal levels (increasing and decreasing techniques) * Mental imagery ## Footnote These factors are crucial for athletes to maintain high performance levels.

Question 44

What is the inverted U theory of arousal?

Answer 44

A theory that suggests there is an optimal level of arousal for peak performance, where both under-arousal and over-arousal can negatively impact performance ## Footnote The theory illustrates that performance improves with arousal to a point, after which performance declines.

Question 45

What characteristics classify an athlete as under-aroused?

Answer 45

Lack of focus, low energy, and poor performance ## Footnote Under-arousal can lead to decreased performance due to insufficient mental engagement.

Question 46

What characteristics classify an athlete as over-aroused?

Answer 46

Nervousness, anxiety, and loss of concentration ## Footnote Over-arousal can hinder performance due to excessive stress and distraction.

Question 47

Identify the five categories of performance enhancement.

Answer 47

* Pharmacological * Mechanical * Nutritional * Psychological * Physiological ## Footnote Each category includes various methods or substances that can enhance athletic performance.

Question 48

What is the definition of 'doping'?

Answer 48

The use of prohibited substances or methods to enhance performance ## Footnote Doping is against the rules of most sports and can lead to severe penalties.

Question 49

What is the purpose of the organization of WADA?

Answer 49

To promote, coordinate, and monitor the fight against doping in sports ## Footnote WADA aims to ensure that athletes compete on a level playing field.

Question 50

What are the WADA prohibited list criteria?

Answer 50

* The substance/method enhances performance * The substance/method poses a risk to health * The substance/method violates the spirit of sport ## Footnote These criteria help determine which substances and methods are banned in sports.

Question 51

What sociocultural factors could influence someone to undertake illegal performance enhancement?

Answer 51

* Pressure to succeed * Influence of peers or coaches * Cultural attitudes towards drug use in sports * Desire for fame and financial rewards ## Footnote These factors can create an environment where athletes feel compelled to enhance performance illegally.

Question 52

IV drips are classified under the WADA prohibited list criteria as illegal. Why are IV drips illegal?

Answer 52

* They enhance performance * They pose health risks * They violate the spirit of sport ## Footnote The use of IV drips can lead to unfair advantages and health complications.

Question 53

Using data from the graph, describe the proportion of prohibited substances identified in 2012.

Answer 53

The specific proportions are not provided, but the graph illustrates the trends in doping violations ## Footnote Analyzing data from WADA helps understand the prevalence of doping in sports.