CSC Sports Psychology and Mental Conditioning

Question 1

What is the 'inverted-U hypothesis' (Yerkes-Dodson law) in sports performance?

Accepted Answer

Optimal performance occurs at moderate arousal levels, with too little or too much arousal impairing performance

Answer

Performance increases linearly with arousal indefinitely

Answer

High anxiety always improves performance in strength sports

Answer

Arousal has no reliable relationship with athletic performance

Question 2

What is the purpose of a pre-competition routine for strength athletes?

Accepted Answer

To regulate arousal, reduce anxiety, and establish consistent psychological readiness

Answer

To add extra warm-up volume before competing

Answer

To socialize with teammates before competing

Answer

To review technique with the coach one final time

Question 3

Which psychological skill involves an athlete mentally rehearsing the performance of a skill or routine in vivid, realistic detail?

Accepted Answer

Imagery (visualization)

Answer

Self-talk

Answer

Goal setting

Answer

Attentional control

Question 4

What distinguishes process goals from outcome goals in athletic goal setting?

Accepted Answer

Process goals focus on controllable behaviors and actions; outcome goals focus on results like winning

Answer

Process goals focus on winning; outcome goals focus on technique

Answer

They are the same — both focus on performance improvement

Answer

Outcome goals are more effective than process goals for all athletes

Question 5

Self-efficacy in sport psychology refers to which of the following?

Accepted Answer

An athlete's belief in their capacity to execute a specific task successfully

Answer

General self-esteem and life satisfaction

Answer

A personality trait that cannot be developed

Answer

Intrinsic motivation for athletic participation

Question 6

Which of the following best describes 'choking under pressure' from a psychological perspective?

Accepted Answer

Performance decrement under high-stakes conditions due to excessive self-focus disrupting automated skills

Answer

A permanent inability to perform in competition

Answer

Normal performance decline due to fatigue in late competition

Answer

A lack of technical skill that only appears under pressure