University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 105 | General Psychology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

135

Pages:

2
Author:

Jithin J. I.

UNDERSTANDING THE INFLUENCE OF SPECTATORS ON CHOKING UNDER PRESSURE 1. Introduction  Introduce the concept of "choking under pressure" in sports performance.  Explain the relevance of understanding how spectators can impact athletes in pressure situations. 2. Spectator Density and Home Advantage  Discuss the hypothesis that higher spectator density can create intense atmospheres and affect home advantage.  Present empirical evidence that challenges this hypothesis, citing studies by Strauss and Bierschwale (2008), Pollard (1986), and Pollard and Armatas (2017). 3. Absence of Correlation with Spectator Numbers  Emphasize the lack of correlation between the number of spectators or spectator density and home advantage.  Highlight Latané's "psychosocial law of the marginal impact" to explain the absence of a linear relationship. 4. Importance of Specific Spectator Behavior  Propose that the impact of spectators should be assessed based on specific behaviors rather than mere numbers.  Examine studies on spectator behavior such as cheering, jeering, and aggressive behavior. 5. Studies on Spectator Behavior  Analyze studies investigating the effects of cheering, jeering, and aggressive behavior on athletic performance.  Highlight research by Greer (1983), Strauss (2002b), and Salminen (1993) that found little or no influence on performance. 6. The Role of Referees and Spectators  Explore the possibility of spectators indirectly influencing athletes by affecting referee decisions.  Discuss studies by Unkelbach and Memmert (2010) and Lehman and Reifman (1987) indicating that referees can be influenced by crowd noise. 7. Referee Bias and Home Advantage  Explain referee bias, particularly the injury bias, and its potential impact on home advantage.  Present the study by Riedl et al. (2015) that found no significant contribution of referee bias to home advantage. 8. Choking Under Pressure  Introduce the concept of "choking under pressure" and its relevance in motor learning and sports psychology.  Mention Sian Beilock's work on the topic and the correlation with neural activities. 9. Pressure Variables  Define pressure variables in sports contexts, including competition, spectators, rewards, and negative consequences.  Explain how positive and negative public expectations can be pressure variables. 10.Baumeister and Steinhilber's Study  Discuss the seminal study by Baumeister and Steinhilber (1984) on "choking under pressure."  Explain their theory that the anticipation of success can lead to performance decrements due to increased self-awareness. 11.Internal vs. External Focus  Explore the impact of an internal focus on performance, including increased muscular tension and oxygen consumption.  Highlight the preference for an external focus in sports tasks.