School for Health, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
FH20042 Psychological dynamics of sport |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take FH10036 |
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Aims & Learning Objectives: To examine the psychological dynamics of structured sport environments and sports teams, in an attempt to understand those factors that contribute to, and inhibit successful performance. On completion of this unit, students should be able to examine and understand: * The effects of competitive and co-operative sport environments upon performance and behaviour. * The current theoretical and methodological issues that underpin the study of the sports environment. * The contributing factors to the psychological dynamics of the sports team. * The role of the sport psychologist in the provision of interventions to enhance team productivity. Content: Understanding Sport Environments: Positive and negative effects of competition and co-operation; sport oreintation and motivational climates; social factors influencing the competitive process (e.g. crowd / audience, home advantage, etc); leadership and coaching dynamics. Personal and Situational Influences Upon Team Dynamics: A conceptual framework for the study of sports teams; team cohesion and performance; social loafing and productivity losses; collective efficacy and team performance. Applied Interventions: Team goal setting, psychological profiling of teams / squads; team building techniques; fostering communication; developing role clarity; enhancing leadership. |