CSC Sports Psychology and Motivation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Performance improves as arousal increases up to an optimal point, then declines with excess arousal

Answer

The inverted-U hypothesis states performance peaks at a moderate, optimal arousal level and deteriorates when arousal is either too low or too high.

Question 2

Which psychological skill involves mentally rehearsing a skill or performance before physically executing it?

Accepted Answer

Imagery (mental rehearsal/visualization)

Answer

Imagery involves vividly mentally simulating a skill, movement, or performance to reinforce neural patterns and build confidence without physical practice.

Question 3

What type of motivation comes from internal satisfaction, curiosity, and the inherent enjoyment of an activity?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation

Answer

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal rewards such as enjoyment, curiosity, and personal satisfaction rather than external incentives.

Question 4

Goal-setting theory (Locke & Latham) suggests goals are most effective when they are:

Accepted Answer

Specific and challenging (but achievable)

Answer

Research by Locke and Latham demonstrates that specific, challenging, and achievable goals consistently produce higher performance than vague or easy goals.

Question 5

What is 'choking under pressure' primarily attributed to in sport psychology?

Accepted Answer

Increased self-monitoring and conscious interference with automated motor skills

Answer

Choking occurs when pressure increases conscious attention to well-learned automatic skills, disrupting the fluid execution that expertise normally enables.

CSC - Certified Strength Coach Practice Test

CSC - Certified Strength Coach Practice Test

CSC Sports Psychology and Motivation