Sports psychology
What's covered
Key facts
Basic information processing
At the decision-making stage, the appropriate response is selected from memory, using both long-term and short-term memory.
Classification of skills
Basic (simple) skills need little thought and few decisions; complex skills require many decisions, judgement and coordination.
Goal setting
Edexcel requires learners to be able to set AND review targets to improve/optimise performance, and to analyse goals to judge whether they really are SMART (spec reference 2.2.3).
Guidance and feedback
Beginners are best suited to visual, manual and mechanical guidance, while elite/autonomous performers rely more on verbal guidance and watching video of themselves; manual and mechanical guidance are rarely used with elite performers because they can already perform the skill.
Mental preparation and sporting performance
Direct aggression is aimed directly at other players, through physical contact with them (for example a tackle in rugby or football).
Motivation and sporting performance
Extrinsic motivation comes from external rewards such as prize money, trophies, medals or praise from a coach.
Basic information processing
The basic information processing model has four stages in order: input, decision making, output and feedback.
Classification of skills
A closed skill is performed in a stable, predictable environment needing little adaptation, e.g. a golf putt or free throw.
Goal setting
In the Edexcel GCSE PE (1PE0) specification, SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound (spec reference 2.2.2).
Guidance and feedback
Concurrent feedback is feedback provided during a performance, allowing the performer to adjust as they go; quick, explosive activities such as the shot put do not allow concurrent feedback because the action is over too fast.
Sample questions
A taste of the 68 questions in this topic, answers marked. Sign up to practise the full set with spaced repetition.
What are the four stages of the basic information processing model, in order?
- •Decision making, input, feedback, output
- ✓Input, decision making, output, feedback
- •Input, feedback, output, decision making
- •Input, output, decision making, feedback
Why are sporting skills placed on a continuum rather than in fixed categories?
- •Each sport sets its own skill rules
- •Every skill is either open or closed
- ✓Most skills fall between the two extremes
- •Skills cannot be measured objectively
According to Edexcel, which of these is a documented benefit of goal setting?
- •It guarantees a faster recovery from injury
- ✓It increases the performer's attention and focus
- •It removes all pressure from competition
- •It replaces the need for a coach's feedback
Why do beginners rely on extrinsic feedback the most?
- •They can already feel exactly what their body is doing
- ✓They cannot yet judge their own performance accurately
- •They no longer need a coach to support them safely
- •They prefer to review video of themselves afterwards
What is direct aggression in sport?
- •Aggression aimed at an object to gain an advantage
- ✓Aggression aimed at other players through physical contact
- •Feeling nervous before a big match
- •Shouting at the referee after a decision
Which type of goal focuses on improving personal performance rather than beating opponents?
- •Outcome goal focused on match result
- ✓Process/performance goal
- •Ranking goal about league position
- •Social goal about team relationships
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