Intro to Sport Psychology

Intro to Sport Psychology Chapters 1–7 Study Guide for assessment Use this guide to help you prepare. You may make a copy of it and write notes from the presentations available on Blackbaud. This assessment has 4 parts: Part 1: Multiple Choice (20 points) Part 2: Short Answer (25 points) Part 3: Case Study Analysis (30 points) Part 4: Reflective Essay (25 points) Chapter 1 & 2: Foundations of Sport Psychology What is Sport & Exercise Psychology? • Study of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to performance. • Study of how physical activity influences mental health and well-being. ​ Scientific Method: Question → Hypothesis → Data Collection → Analysis → Conclusion Be able to explain why this creates reliable knowledge. ​ Qualitative vs Quantitative Data: • Qualitative = descriptive, interviews, experiences. • Quantitative = numerical, measurable, statistical. Be able to explain why both are necessary. ​ Three Major Orientations: • Psychophysiological – heart rate, arousal, muscle tension. • Social-Psychological – group influence, motivation, leadership. • Cognitive-Behavioral – thoughts, beliefs, self-talk. Chapter 3: Personality Approaches Trait Approach (Big Five): Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism. Traits describe tendencies, not destiny. ​ Interactional Approach: Behavior = Personality × Situation Be able to explain why the same person performs differently in different contexts. ​ Phenomenological Approach: Performance depends on beliefs, perception, and interpretation. Understand fixed vs growth mindset. Chapter 4: Motivation Self-Determination Theory (SDT): • Autonomy – sense of choice. • Competence – feeling capable. • Relatedness – feeling connected. Motivation Continuum: Amotivation → External → Introjected → Identified → Integrated → Intrinsic. Be able to place scenarios on the continuum and predict persistence. ​ Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB): • Attitudes • Subjective Norms • Perceived Behavioral Control Explain why motivation does not always equal behavior. Chapter 5: Stress, Anxiety & Arousal Arousal = level of activation. Stress = process involving perception and appraisal. Anxiety = stress + worry + uncertainty. Cognitive Anxiety = worry. Somatic Anxiety = physical symptoms. Challenge vs Threat Appraisal. Be able to explain why optimal performance does not require zero anxiety. Chapter 6: Competition & Martens’ Model Objective Competitive Situation → Subjective Competitive Situation → Response → Consequences. Be able to explain how perception shapes response. Chapter 7: Feedback Instructional Feedback: specific, corrective, skill focused. Motivational Feedback: encouragement, effort-based support. Be able to distinguish between the two and explain their impact on performance. Case Study Analysis When analyzing a case study, you will need to explain and apply: • SDT (self-determination theory): autonomy, competence, relatedness. How might the environment affect athletes’ needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness? • TPB (theory of planned behavior): attitudes, norms, control. How might attitudes, social pressure (subjective norms), and perceived control influence athletes’ decisions to continue training or remain in the program? • Stress/Cognitive appraisal: challenge vs threat. How might athletes interpret the pressure and evaluation, and how could that influence their stress or anxiety levels? The Summit Training Center uses weekly performance rankings, public recognition for top athletes, extra conditioning for low performers, and intense coaching messages about toughness and winning. Athletes show strong short-term performance improvements, but many report feeling constant pressure, anxiety, and reduced enjoyment of their sport. How does the Summit Training Center environment influence athletes’ motivation, decision-making, and stress responses, and are those effects psychologically sustainable? Essay (400 words) I am most interested in the depth of your analysis. You will have a choice between 2 prompts.