SPMT 304 – Sport Psychology | Exam 2 Q&A (40+ Questions) – Self-Confidence, Focus, Mindset, Performance Evaluation

This document contains over 40 verified, high-impact questions and answers from Exam 2 of the SPMT 304 2025/2026 course at Troy University, centered on the psychology of confidence, focus, and mindset in sport and performance environments. It is tailored for students studying sport management, performance psychology, coaching, or athletic training and provides real-world psychological tools for enhancing consistent, high-level performance. Topics include the difference between real vs. dependent self-confidence, the dangers of overthinking (catastrophizing), and why sustainable confidence stems from personal choice rather than comparison. Students will explore concepts like OMUA (Overly Motivated, Underachieving Athlete), the Trusting Mindset, and effective self-evaluation by focusing on controllable factors rather than results. Memorable case studies such as John Aspland (approaching performance like a game), Carney Lansford (impact of stats on performance), and Philip Humber (focusing only on controllables) are used to reinforce key mental skills. Additional insights include lessons from sports analytics and the Moneyball era—highlighting the limitations of relying solely on quantitative statistics over qualitative performance indicators. This resource is essential for anyone aiming to build resilient confidence, avoid performance anxiety, and develop a focused mindset for sport, academics, or professional success. Keywords: spmt 304, sport psychology, self-confidence, catastrophizing, OMUA, trusting mindset, performance mindset, controllables, john aspland, carney lansford, philip humber, focus under pressure, sports analytics, moneyball, qualitative evaluation, dependent confidence, mental skills training, performance anxiety