NSCA CSCS Sport Psychology and Motivation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which arousal theory proposes that performance is best at a moderate level of arousal, with both under- and over-arousal leading to poor performance?
- Drive theory
- Inverted-U hypothesis (Correct answer)
- Catastrophe theory
- Reversal theory
Correct answer: Inverted-U hypothesis
The inverted-U hypothesis (Yerkes-Dodson law) describes an optimal moderate arousal level for peak performance, with performance declining at both extremes.
Question 2: An athlete who trains hard primarily to win prize money and external recognition is best described as having which type of motivation?
- Intrinsic motivation
- Integrated regulation
- Extrinsic motivation (Correct answer)
- Identified regulation
Correct answer: Extrinsic motivation
Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards such as money, trophies, or recognition rather than internal satisfaction.
Question 3: According to self-determination theory, which psychological need involves feeling effective and competent in one's actions?
- Autonomy
- Relatedness
- Competence (Correct answer)
- Self-efficacy
Correct answer: Competence
Competence is one of the three basic psychological needs in self-determination theory, referring to the need to feel effective and capable.
Question 4: A strength coach notices an athlete performing worse in competition than in practice. This phenomenon is most consistent with which psychological concept?
- Social facilitation
- Choking under pressure (Correct answer)
- Home advantage effect
- Competitive trait anxiety
Correct answer: Choking under pressure
Choking under pressure refers to performance decrements that occur during high-stakes situations compared to practice conditions.
Question 5: Which type of goal focuses on mastering skills and improving personal performance relative to past performance?
- Outcome goal
- Process goal
- Mastery/task goal (Correct answer)
- Ego goal
Correct answer: Mastery/task goal
Mastery or task goals focus on personal improvement, skill development, and self-referenced standards rather than outperforming others.
Question 6: The psychological technique of having an athlete mentally rehearse a perfect lift before attempting it is an example of:
- Systematic desensitization
- Cognitive restructuring
- Mental imagery (Correct answer)
- Progressive relaxation
Correct answer: Mental imagery
Mental imagery (visualization) involves mentally rehearsing a skill or performance to enhance confidence and prepare the nervous system.
Question 7: Which concept describes an athlete's belief in their capability to perform a specific task successfully?
- Global self-esteem
- Self-efficacy (Correct answer)
- Locus of control
- Achievement motivation
Correct answer: Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy, as defined by Bandura, is a situation-specific belief in one's ability to successfully perform a particular task.
NSCA CSCS Sport Psychology and Motivation 2
Which arousal theory proposes that performance is best at a moderate level of arousal, with both under- and over-arousal leading to poor performance?