Module Information

The module will introduce students to key concepts in Sport Psychology through the consideration of relevant theories, seminal and key research studies in this area and, where appropriate at this level, practical application. The main aim of the course is to provide an introductory examination of the key psychological factors that affect sport performance.

The module will cover a range of issues central to Sport Psychology, thus the indicative content is as follows: Motivation (attribution theory, goal achievement theory, competence motivation theory, need achievement theory), Arousal, stress and anxiety (drive theory, inverted U theory, IZOF hypothesis, multidimensional anxiety theory), Team dynamics (cohesion, leadership), Self-confidence (self-efficacy theory, sport confidence model), Mood state, emotions and performance, and, Developmental issues in sport psychology (self-esteem, moral and identity development). The module will include key note lectures that introduce students to key theoretical perspectives and research findings, practical sessions that involve the collection of data, and, seminars involving discussion of video material, journal articles, and data collected by students, both independently and in groups.