October/November 2022
Sports Psychology Examination
PYC4812
UNISA
QUESTION A1
Explain the importance of goal-setting as a technique that is often used in applied sport
psychology, mention different types of goals, and indicate their relevance in a sport
psychology context. Then briefly describe two theories of goal setting in sport
psychology. [20]
Goal-setting is a tool that can be used to meet athletes' objectives in sport psychology. Goal
setting is utilised for an athlete to gain proficiency in certain sporting aspects and improve
performance outcomes in practice and competition. Goals are achieved with adequate social
and professional support. The quality of the environment, involvement of the coach and
appropriateness of the goal to the individual will impact the success of the outcome.
There are certain requirements for a goal-setting strategy to be effective in sport psychology.
Goals should ideally be specific, measurable and time-bound. This is reminiscent of the
SMART goal-achievement method, where goals should be specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic and time-bound. Evidence suggests that goal-setting is the most effective when it
challenges the performer. However, goals should be set by considering the individual skill
level of the athlete and a reasonable consideration of their potential for improvement. Goals
should be written down with a specific date by which they should be accomplished. A
particular method for evaluation should be identified and followed in due course. Feedback
from previous goal-setting experiences can inform adjustments to new goals that are set.
Newer goal-setting outcomes should be recorded to inform future interventions.
There are various types of goals that should be considered when athletes decide on goal-
setting strategies. Short-range goals are set to be achieved in a short amount of time. These
target specific aspects of technique or critical skills that can be accomplished in a short
timespan. Long-range goals are outlined to be achieved in a lengthy period of time. Long-
, range goals can refer to the accumulation of short-range goals and the ideal outcome of a
goal-setting intervention. Short-range goals can be set following the staircase approach and a
long-range goal can be visualised at the top of the staircase. A series of strategic short-range
goals will result in successful execution of a specific long-range goal by targeting achievable
goals that build upon one another.
Process goals entail important learning aspects or a series of events that are undertaken with
an objective in mind. Process goals are crucial in learning and developing new skills and can
motivate teams when they refine new strategies. Process goals detract from the natural
tendency to focus on outcomes or long-term objectives. Process goals provide more relevant
success moments which can motivate athletes to continue striving for long-range goals.
Performance goals focus on technical aspects of performance relative to the performance
standard of the athlete. Personal performance goals should be set to motivate individual
athletes according to their individual level and aims, thereby lowering comparison levels and
building confidence. Athletes may feel accomplished if they performed exceptionally in a
competition according to personal standards even if the outcome resulted in a losing score.
Outcome goals focus on the outcome of performance or competitions; most frequently being
the goal of successful execution or winning. Outcome goals have a long-term focus, but
process and performance goals can reassure athletes when competition scores are low or
when they have lost a particular competition. It is important for goals to be positive and
framed in a positive, enabling and empowering way for success to ensue. Long-range and
outcome-based goals are the main objective for professional athletes. Short-range goals
typically comprise of process and performance goals.
The mechanistic explanation of goal setting suggests that goal-setting is useful in directing
attentional focus. When athletes focus more sharply on a specific aspect of performance or a
specific skill, they are able to increase the level of effort. Improved concentration also allows
athletes to be more persistent in the face of challenges which inevitably occur.
The cognitive theory of goal-setting is predominantly laid out in relation to the influence of
goal setting on performance. Goal-setting has an effect on an athlete's cognitive levels of
Sports Psychology Examination
PYC4812
UNISA
QUESTION A1
Explain the importance of goal-setting as a technique that is often used in applied sport
psychology, mention different types of goals, and indicate their relevance in a sport
psychology context. Then briefly describe two theories of goal setting in sport
psychology. [20]
Goal-setting is a tool that can be used to meet athletes' objectives in sport psychology. Goal
setting is utilised for an athlete to gain proficiency in certain sporting aspects and improve
performance outcomes in practice and competition. Goals are achieved with adequate social
and professional support. The quality of the environment, involvement of the coach and
appropriateness of the goal to the individual will impact the success of the outcome.
There are certain requirements for a goal-setting strategy to be effective in sport psychology.
Goals should ideally be specific, measurable and time-bound. This is reminiscent of the
SMART goal-achievement method, where goals should be specific, measurable, achievable,
realistic and time-bound. Evidence suggests that goal-setting is the most effective when it
challenges the performer. However, goals should be set by considering the individual skill
level of the athlete and a reasonable consideration of their potential for improvement. Goals
should be written down with a specific date by which they should be accomplished. A
particular method for evaluation should be identified and followed in due course. Feedback
from previous goal-setting experiences can inform adjustments to new goals that are set.
Newer goal-setting outcomes should be recorded to inform future interventions.
There are various types of goals that should be considered when athletes decide on goal-
setting strategies. Short-range goals are set to be achieved in a short amount of time. These
target specific aspects of technique or critical skills that can be accomplished in a short
timespan. Long-range goals are outlined to be achieved in a lengthy period of time. Long-
, range goals can refer to the accumulation of short-range goals and the ideal outcome of a
goal-setting intervention. Short-range goals can be set following the staircase approach and a
long-range goal can be visualised at the top of the staircase. A series of strategic short-range
goals will result in successful execution of a specific long-range goal by targeting achievable
goals that build upon one another.
Process goals entail important learning aspects or a series of events that are undertaken with
an objective in mind. Process goals are crucial in learning and developing new skills and can
motivate teams when they refine new strategies. Process goals detract from the natural
tendency to focus on outcomes or long-term objectives. Process goals provide more relevant
success moments which can motivate athletes to continue striving for long-range goals.
Performance goals focus on technical aspects of performance relative to the performance
standard of the athlete. Personal performance goals should be set to motivate individual
athletes according to their individual level and aims, thereby lowering comparison levels and
building confidence. Athletes may feel accomplished if they performed exceptionally in a
competition according to personal standards even if the outcome resulted in a losing score.
Outcome goals focus on the outcome of performance or competitions; most frequently being
the goal of successful execution or winning. Outcome goals have a long-term focus, but
process and performance goals can reassure athletes when competition scores are low or
when they have lost a particular competition. It is important for goals to be positive and
framed in a positive, enabling and empowering way for success to ensue. Long-range and
outcome-based goals are the main objective for professional athletes. Short-range goals
typically comprise of process and performance goals.
The mechanistic explanation of goal setting suggests that goal-setting is useful in directing
attentional focus. When athletes focus more sharply on a specific aspect of performance or a
specific skill, they are able to increase the level of effort. Improved concentration also allows
athletes to be more persistent in the face of challenges which inevitably occur.
The cognitive theory of goal-setting is predominantly laid out in relation to the influence of
goal setting on performance. Goal-setting has an effect on an athlete's cognitive levels of
