Psychology Foundations of Sport and Exercise: Questions and Answers
Define science and explain four of its major goals. - ansScience is a method of learning about the world through
the systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical filtering of knowledge acquired through experience.
Systematic: Standardizing conditions.
Controlled: Key variables are the focus of the study, and other variables are controlled so they do not influence
the primary relationship.
Empirical: Based on observation. Objective evidence must support beliefs, and the evidence must be open to
outside evaluation, observation, and interpretation.
Critical Filtering: It involves rigorous evaluation by the researcher and other scientists. Critical analysis of ideas
and work helps ensure that conclusions are reliable.
Describe the active approach to using sport and exercise psychology. - ansThis is the blending of scientific
knowledge with professional practice knowledge in the real world. It means actively integrating scientific
knowledge with professional experiences, while keeping in mind your own insights and intuition. It is using
books, publications, studies, etc. as resources, and relating this information to your own experiences.
Describe the gap between research and practice, why it exists, and how it can be bridged. - ansThere are many
reasons why a gap exists, one of them being an inability to transfer research to professionals working in the
field, such as physical educators, coaches, exercise leaders, athletes, etc. Also, external validity and practicality
of experiments can present us with a wall - not all studies apply directly to the field. Using an active approach
to both learning and application helps integrate the research and the practice - apply what you have learned in
your own environments, such as the gym, pool, athletic field. Recognize that the scientific knowledge is based
on probability as well - not all ideas or findings will map onto reality 100% of the time.
Describe the major accomplishments of the six periods in the history of sport and exercise psychology. -
ansPeriod 1: Early Years (1893-1920)
In the early years, people like Norman Triplett and E.W. Scripture conduct first-of-their-kind experiments, such
as examining reaction and movement times (E.W.), as well as the effects of other cyclists on one cyclist's
performance (Triplett). Also, the psychology of play is studied (G.T.W.), motor reactions, attention, and abilities
, studied, and Olympic Congress focusing on sport psych.
Period 2: Development of Labs and Psych Testing (1921-1938)
Robert Schulte directs a psych lab at a school. The first sport psych department is begun by P.A. Rudik in
Moscow. In 1925, U of Illinois begins a research lab with Griffith being the director. Many publications are
created.
Period 3: Prep for the Future (1939-1965)
Franklin Henry, in U of California, establishes a graduate program for psych of PA. Dorothy Yates works with
relaxation techniques with boxers. Warren Johnson assesses precompetitive emotions. "Psychology of
Coaching" is written by John Lawther. First World Congress of Sport Psych is held in Rome.
Period 4: Establishment of Academic Sport Psych (1966-1977)
Bruce Ogilvie and Thomas Tutko write a consulting athletes and teams book and begin consulting the athletes
and teams.
"Psychology of PA" is written. The First annual NASPSPA conference is held in 1967. Proceedings from the
conference are published.
Period 5: Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in S&E Psych (1078-2000)
"Sport and Exercise Psychology" journal is established. U.S. Olympic Committee develop the Sport Psych
Advisory Board. In '84, the televised Olympic Games highlights sport psych. First applied scholarly journal, "The
Sport Psychologist" is established. AASP is established. APA Division 47 (Sport psych) is developed. The AASP
established "certified consultant" designations. The US Olympic team is first accomp
Describe three roles of sport and exercise psychology specialists. - ans1.) Research Role: Advancing knowledge
in the field by conducting research. Most S&E psychologists in a university do this. They study problems like
exercise adherence, psychology of athletic injury, and the role of exercise in the treatment of various disease.
2.) Consulting Role: Consulting with individuals or teams to develop important psychological skills for
enhancing performance and training.
Define science and explain four of its major goals. - ansScience is a method of learning about the world through
the systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical filtering of knowledge acquired through experience.
Systematic: Standardizing conditions.
Controlled: Key variables are the focus of the study, and other variables are controlled so they do not influence
the primary relationship.
Empirical: Based on observation. Objective evidence must support beliefs, and the evidence must be open to
outside evaluation, observation, and interpretation.
Critical Filtering: It involves rigorous evaluation by the researcher and other scientists. Critical analysis of ideas
and work helps ensure that conclusions are reliable.
Describe the active approach to using sport and exercise psychology. - ansThis is the blending of scientific
knowledge with professional practice knowledge in the real world. It means actively integrating scientific
knowledge with professional experiences, while keeping in mind your own insights and intuition. It is using
books, publications, studies, etc. as resources, and relating this information to your own experiences.
Describe the gap between research and practice, why it exists, and how it can be bridged. - ansThere are many
reasons why a gap exists, one of them being an inability to transfer research to professionals working in the
field, such as physical educators, coaches, exercise leaders, athletes, etc. Also, external validity and practicality
of experiments can present us with a wall - not all studies apply directly to the field. Using an active approach
to both learning and application helps integrate the research and the practice - apply what you have learned in
your own environments, such as the gym, pool, athletic field. Recognize that the scientific knowledge is based
on probability as well - not all ideas or findings will map onto reality 100% of the time.
Describe the major accomplishments of the six periods in the history of sport and exercise psychology. -
ansPeriod 1: Early Years (1893-1920)
In the early years, people like Norman Triplett and E.W. Scripture conduct first-of-their-kind experiments, such
as examining reaction and movement times (E.W.), as well as the effects of other cyclists on one cyclist's
performance (Triplett). Also, the psychology of play is studied (G.T.W.), motor reactions, attention, and abilities
, studied, and Olympic Congress focusing on sport psych.
Period 2: Development of Labs and Psych Testing (1921-1938)
Robert Schulte directs a psych lab at a school. The first sport psych department is begun by P.A. Rudik in
Moscow. In 1925, U of Illinois begins a research lab with Griffith being the director. Many publications are
created.
Period 3: Prep for the Future (1939-1965)
Franklin Henry, in U of California, establishes a graduate program for psych of PA. Dorothy Yates works with
relaxation techniques with boxers. Warren Johnson assesses precompetitive emotions. "Psychology of
Coaching" is written by John Lawther. First World Congress of Sport Psych is held in Rome.
Period 4: Establishment of Academic Sport Psych (1966-1977)
Bruce Ogilvie and Thomas Tutko write a consulting athletes and teams book and begin consulting the athletes
and teams.
"Psychology of PA" is written. The First annual NASPSPA conference is held in 1967. Proceedings from the
conference are published.
Period 5: Multidisciplinary Science and Practice in S&E Psych (1078-2000)
"Sport and Exercise Psychology" journal is established. U.S. Olympic Committee develop the Sport Psych
Advisory Board. In '84, the televised Olympic Games highlights sport psych. First applied scholarly journal, "The
Sport Psychologist" is established. AASP is established. APA Division 47 (Sport psych) is developed. The AASP
established "certified consultant" designations. The US Olympic team is first accomp
Describe three roles of sport and exercise psychology specialists. - ans1.) Research Role: Advancing knowledge
in the field by conducting research. Most S&E psychologists in a university do this. They study problems like
exercise adherence, psychology of athletic injury, and the role of exercise in the treatment of various disease.
2.) Consulting Role: Consulting with individuals or teams to develop important psychological skills for
enhancing performance and training.
