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Core 2 Factors affecting performance
How can psychology affect performance?
Motivation
Motivation is the increased state of arousal or excitement an individual experiences when trying to reach a optimal level of performance. Motivation greatly influences the amount of interest and effort an athlete gives to a task. Motivation is a personal thing and what motivates one person may not motivate another person at that point in time.
The use of positive motivation tends to be more effective than negative motivation in improving an individual’s performance. It results in higher levels of improvement in performance, and tends to last longer than any gains made from the use of negative motivation.
Individuals who are motivated to perform because of intrinsic feelings are said to be intrinsically motivated. This is believed to be more effective than an athlete relying upon extrinsic factors for a successful performance.
The type of reinforcement an athlete receives may also affect an athlete’s motivation. Reinforcement refers to the consequences that arise as a result of the behaviour. It can be positive or negative and internal or external.
Reinforcement most often comes in the form of rewards (positive reinforcement). The rewards reinforce the act and let the athlete know that further progress will be rewarded in the same way. Athletes should be continually reinforced as they progress towards producing the desired response.
Student activity |
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| Examine the following case study of a junior elite basketballer and identify the factors that motivate him. The factors listed are quotes taken from an interview. These may include positive or negative, intrinsic or extrinsic motivation as well as types of reinforcement. |
Motivating factors
| Quotes | Motivating or reinforcing factors |
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I love training with my friends.
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I have a trophy room at home.
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The school highlights all the student's
successes. There is always talk about which teams are
winning.
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My coach suggests how I could improve and what
changes to make.
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Even if I am playing poorly, the coach will encourage
me. This lifts my spirits higher.
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Peers saying I did a good job.
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Beating friends and good players at training makes me
happy.
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My coach is good. He applauds good moves when they
come off.
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I want to play a high level of competition.
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I'm currently training with the state U18 team.
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When people see me play, they notice me.
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Last year I made the U16 All Australian Team. I was
really proud because I didn't expect to get in.
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