Module Identifier SS23020  
Module Title PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS SPORT EXERCISE PERFORM & ENHANCEMENT  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Dr Joanne Thatcher  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Dr David A Tod, Dr Sally Akehurst  
Course delivery Lecture   24 x 50 minute lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   12 x 50 minute seminars  
  Practical   5 x 2 hours practicals  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Exam3 Hours Critical analysis of research project33%
Semester Assessment 2,000 word essay  34%
Semester Assessment A group poster providing an analysis of psychological influences on peak performance in a selected sport33%
Supplementary Exam3 Hours Open book essay under exam conditions. This essay will encompass sport and exercise science issues 100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Identify the major psychological constructs relevant to peak performance in sport
2. Identify the major psychological constructs relevant to participation in exercise
3. Apply these constructs in both sport and exercise contexts
4. Demonstrate a knowledge of relevant methodological tools such as questionnaires and laboratory experimentation
5. Interpret and evaluate relevant research findings
6. Work in a group to produce an analysis of peak performance in a selected sport

Brief description

This module has two themes: the psychology of maximizing sports performance and the psychology of optimizing participation in exercise for the benefit of health. The module provides a theoretical framework for students to develop an understanding of relevant psychological constructs and apply these in sport and exercise contexts. For sport, examples include anxiety management, group dynamics, performance profiling and psychological skills training. For exercise, examples include motivations and barriers, stages of change, self-esteem and intervention strategies. Some themes common to both contexts will include eating disorders, goal setting and adherence. The ability to critically evaluate empirical evidence is developed through the appraisal of research abstracts. Practical work will include laboratory experimentation and the use of psychological questionnaires.

Aims

1. Provide a theoretical framework of relevant psychological constructs
2. Develop the application of these constructs to applied situations in sport and exercise
3. Develop the ability to critically appraise research evidence
4. Develop competence in the use of tools such as questionnaires and laboratory experimentation

Reading Lists

Books
Biddle, S.J.H. and Mutrie, N. (2001) Psychology of Physical Acitivity: Determinants, well-being and interventions. London: Routledge
Biddle, S., Fox, K and Boucher, S (2000) Physical Activity and Psychological Well-being London: Routledge
Buckworth, J. and Dishman, R.K. (2002) Exercise Psychology Champaign II. Human Kinetics
Fox, K. (1997) The Physical Self: From Motivation to Well-being Champaign, II: Human Kinetics
Bull, S.J., Albinson, J.G. and Shambrook, C.J. (1996) The mental game plan: getting psyched for sport Sports Dynamics. 0951954326
Cox, R.H. (2002) Sports psychology: concepts and applications 5th ed. Brown and Benchmark, N.Y
Gill, D.L. (2000) Psychological dynamics of sport and exercise 2nd ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Hardy, L, Jones G. and Gould, D. (1996) Understanding Psychological Preparation for Sport: Theory and Practice of Elite Performers Wiley, Chicester
Murphy, S.M. (1995) Sport psychology interventions Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Roberts, G.C. (1999) Learning experiences in sport psychology 2nd Ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Weinberg, R.S. and Gould, D. (2003) Foundations of sport and exercise psychology 3rd Ed. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL
Williams, J. (2001) Applied sport psychology: personal growth to peak performance London, Mayfield

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5