A Level PE - Sport Psychology
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Already Passed
What is intrinsic motivation in sports psychology?
✔✔Intrinsic motivation refers to performing an activity for the inherent enjoyment and
satisfaction it provides, rather than for external rewards.
How does arousal affect performance in sports?
✔✔Optimal levels of arousal can enhance performance by improving focus and energy, while
too little or too much arousal can impair performance.
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
✔✔Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal rewards, such as personal satisfaction, while
extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards like trophies or praise.
How can goal setting improve sports performance?
✔✔Goal setting provides athletes with clear targets to strive for, enhancing focus, motivation,
and performance through measurable progress.
1
,What is the inverted-U hypothesis in sport psychology?
✔✔The inverted-U hypothesis suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal for peak
performance, and both low and high levels can impair performance.
What is the role of self-confidence in sports performance?
✔✔Self-confidence helps athletes maintain a positive mindset, recover from setbacks, and
perform optimally under pressure.
How can imagery be used to enhance performance?
✔✔Imagery helps athletes visualize successful performance, increasing confidence, reducing
anxiety, and improving focus before and during competition.
What is the difference between anxiety and stress in sports psychology?
✔✔Anxiety is a negative emotional state often related to performance concerns, while stress is a
broader response to demands that can affect performance and well-being.
What is the importance of relaxation techniques in sports?
✔✔Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, help
reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote recovery.
2
,What is the role of concentration in sports performance?
✔✔Concentration helps athletes maintain focus on relevant cues and tasks, blocking out
distractions and enhancing performance.
How does self-talk influence performance in sports?
✔✔Positive self-talk can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and increase motivation, while
negative self-talk can have the opposite effect.
What is the difference between cognitive and somatic anxiety?
✔✔Cognitive anxiety relates to mental worries and concerns, while somatic anxiety refers to the
physical symptoms of nervousness, such as a racing heart.
What is the zone of optimal functioning in sport psychology?
✔✔The zone of optimal functioning refers to the mental state where an athlete experiences the
perfect balance of arousal, focus, and confidence, leading to peak performance.
How does visualization impact skill acquisition?
3
, ✔✔Visualization helps athletes mentally rehearse skills, improving muscle memory, technique,
and confidence for actual performance.
What is the concept of "flow" in sports psychology?
✔✔Flow is a mental state of total immersion and focus in an activity, where athletes perform at
their best without conscious effort.
How can personality traits affect sports performance?
✔✔Personality traits, such as self-discipline, optimism, and emotional stability, can influence an
athlete's ability to handle pressure, stay motivated, and maintain focus.
What is the role of motivation in sport psychology?
✔✔Motivation drives athletes to set goals, persist through challenges, and perform at their best,
impacting their overall performance and success.
How does the social environment influence motivation in sports?
✔✔Support from coaches, teammates, and family can increase motivation, while negative
influences or lack of support can decrease motivation.
4
Questions and Answers Latest Version
Already Passed
What is intrinsic motivation in sports psychology?
✔✔Intrinsic motivation refers to performing an activity for the inherent enjoyment and
satisfaction it provides, rather than for external rewards.
How does arousal affect performance in sports?
✔✔Optimal levels of arousal can enhance performance by improving focus and energy, while
too little or too much arousal can impair performance.
What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?
✔✔Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal rewards, such as personal satisfaction, while
extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards like trophies or praise.
How can goal setting improve sports performance?
✔✔Goal setting provides athletes with clear targets to strive for, enhancing focus, motivation,
and performance through measurable progress.
1
,What is the inverted-U hypothesis in sport psychology?
✔✔The inverted-U hypothesis suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal for peak
performance, and both low and high levels can impair performance.
What is the role of self-confidence in sports performance?
✔✔Self-confidence helps athletes maintain a positive mindset, recover from setbacks, and
perform optimally under pressure.
How can imagery be used to enhance performance?
✔✔Imagery helps athletes visualize successful performance, increasing confidence, reducing
anxiety, and improving focus before and during competition.
What is the difference between anxiety and stress in sports psychology?
✔✔Anxiety is a negative emotional state often related to performance concerns, while stress is a
broader response to demands that can affect performance and well-being.
What is the importance of relaxation techniques in sports?
✔✔Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, help
reduce anxiety, improve focus, and promote recovery.
2
,What is the role of concentration in sports performance?
✔✔Concentration helps athletes maintain focus on relevant cues and tasks, blocking out
distractions and enhancing performance.
How does self-talk influence performance in sports?
✔✔Positive self-talk can boost confidence, reduce anxiety, and increase motivation, while
negative self-talk can have the opposite effect.
What is the difference between cognitive and somatic anxiety?
✔✔Cognitive anxiety relates to mental worries and concerns, while somatic anxiety refers to the
physical symptoms of nervousness, such as a racing heart.
What is the zone of optimal functioning in sport psychology?
✔✔The zone of optimal functioning refers to the mental state where an athlete experiences the
perfect balance of arousal, focus, and confidence, leading to peak performance.
How does visualization impact skill acquisition?
3
, ✔✔Visualization helps athletes mentally rehearse skills, improving muscle memory, technique,
and confidence for actual performance.
What is the concept of "flow" in sports psychology?
✔✔Flow is a mental state of total immersion and focus in an activity, where athletes perform at
their best without conscious effort.
How can personality traits affect sports performance?
✔✔Personality traits, such as self-discipline, optimism, and emotional stability, can influence an
athlete's ability to handle pressure, stay motivated, and maintain focus.
What is the role of motivation in sport psychology?
✔✔Motivation drives athletes to set goals, persist through challenges, and perform at their best,
impacting their overall performance and success.
How does the social environment influence motivation in sports?
✔✔Support from coaches, teammates, and family can increase motivation, while negative
influences or lack of support can decrease motivation.
4
