Mental Performance & Sports Psychology Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Mental Performance & Sports Psychology flashcards as text
Which psychological concept refers to an athlete's belief in their ability to execute a specific action successfully?
Answer: Self-efficacy
Self-efficacy, as defined by Bandura, is the belief in one's capability to execute a specific task or performance, directly influencing athletic behavior and outcomes.
What is the term for the state of complete immersion and optimal performance where time feels distorted and effort seems effortless?
Answer: Flow state
Flow state (Csikszentmihalyi) describes optimal experience characterized by total absorption in the task, effortless focus, and peak performance.
According to the Inverted-U hypothesis, athletic performance is highest at which level of arousal?
Answer: Moderate/optimal arousal
The Inverted-U (Yerkes-Dodson) hypothesis states performance peaks at moderate arousal levels, declining at both extremes of too low or too high arousal.
Which mental skill technique involves an athlete mentally rehearsing a skill or performance scenario without physical movement?
Answer: Visualization/imagery
Visualization (mental imagery) is the cognitive rehearsal of a skill or scenario in the mind, activating similar neural pathways as physical practice.
A strength coach notices an athlete is consistently 'choking' during competitions despite strong practice performance. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Excessive cognitive anxiety and pressure
Choking under pressure is primarily attributed to excessive cognitive anxiety causing attentional shifts and disruption of automated motor skills.
What does SMART goal-setting stand for in sports psychology?
Answer: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, providing a structured framework for effective athletic goal-setting.
Which type of goal focuses on achieving a standard relative to other competitors (e.g., winning a medal)?
Answer: Outcome goal
Outcome goals focus on competitive results and ranking relative to opponents, such as winning a race or placing in a tournament.
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