Sports Psychology Flashcards

Which psychological technique involves an athlete mentally rehearsing a skill or performance before executing it?

Answer: Visualization (mental imagery)

Visualization, or mental imagery, is the practice of mentally rehearsing a movement or performance to improve confidence and motor skill execution.

What term describes the optimal mental state in which an athlete performs at their best with seemingly effortless focus?

Answer: Flow state

Flow state, coined by Csikszentmihalyi, describes peak performance characterized by full immersion, effortless focus, and intrinsic enjoyment.

According to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, what is the relationship between arousal and performance?

Answer: Inverted-U — moderate arousal produces optimal performance

The Yerkes-Dodson Law describes an inverted-U relationship where both too little and too much arousal impair performance, with moderate arousal being optimal.

Which type of motivation comes from internal sources such as personal satisfaction and love of the activity?

Answer: Intrinsic motivation

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal rewards like enjoyment, mastery, and personal fulfillment rather than external rewards.

What is self-efficacy in the context of sports psychology?

Answer: An athlete's belief in their ability to succeed at a specific task

Self-efficacy, as defined by Bandura, is the individual's belief in their capacity to execute the behaviors necessary to produce specific outcomes.

Which strategy involves an athlete using brief, positive phrases to direct attention and boost confidence during training or competition?

Answer: Positive self-talk

Positive self-talk uses intentional, constructive internal statements to improve focus, manage emotions, and reinforce confident behavior.

What is the primary goal of goal-setting in sports psychology?

Answer: To direct attention, increase effort, and enhance persistence toward desired outcomes

Goal-setting directs an athlete's attention, motivates effort, encourages persistence, and promotes development of new learning strategies.