module specification

The ST5002 module, entitled Psychological Factors in Sport:  Individuals and Teams, focuses on the key psychological theories within the sport psychology field; such as motivation and  arousal. Psycholgical issues relating to individual behaviour and group dynamics are both incorporated.

ST4001 ST4002 ST4003 ST4004

The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance Agency’s Framework for Higher Educations Qualifications.
This module aims to provide students with an understanding of key psychological theories which underpin sporting performance. Students will focus on the psychological factors which influence an individual’s sporting performance and develop an understanding of group dynamics concepts in sport. The module encourages an appreciation of how to work effectively in a team setting. The module aims to develop students’ communication and literacy skills to allow them to ability to write write a scientific piece of work with confidence.  This module aims to provide students with the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment by promoting personal responsibility and effective problem solving.

Underpinning psychological theory:
Motivation; Anxiety, Arousal and Performance; Confidence and Self Efficacy
Self-Determination theory, Achievement goal theory, Attribution theory
Introduction to Coping
Group Dynamics:
Team Cohesion and Team building
Theories of Leadership
Coach-Athlete relationships
Introduction to NLP

The basic structure to teaching and learning will involve a theory driven lecture supported by either a workshop or practical session
Lectures will cover the theoretical aspects of the module and promote discussion within the group to enhance learning. The workshops will offer students an opportunity to (i) prepare for assessments (ii) receive, and give, formative feedback on their and others’ coursework (iii) apply theoretical principles to sporting activity. The practical sessions will involve data collection and analysis.

Vocational skills and employability will be emphasised through problem solving tasks, effective working in groups and peer support.
Blended learning:  WebLearn will support all the lecture, workshops and practicals. Short formative assessments will be available on weblearn for students to test their knowledge and understanding following key lectures.

Key strategies:
Lectures
Workshops
Practicals- Data collection and Experiential learning
WebLearn
Self-directed learning-Students will be responsible for completing the directed reading and taking an active and valuable contribution to the module
Students’ study responsibilities are articulated in the FLS Staff/Student Agreement which is available via the Faculty Web site.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate factual knowledge and conceptual understanding of the field of sport psychology
2. Relate psychological theory to individual sporting performance
3. Effectively apply the principles of scientific writing
4. Work competently as a member of a group
5. Demonstrate factual knowledge and conceptual understanding of the field of group dynamics in sport psychology
6. Relate psychological theory to group formation and performance 
 

This module will be assessed at three different points through the year :
A discursive essay of 2000 words (30%; LO 1, 2 & 3)
A written case study analysis and 15 minute viva (30%; LO 1 & 2)
A 30 minute group presentation (40%; LO 4, 5 & 6)

The wide range of assessment methods allows all students the opportunity to excel. An aggregate mark of 40% or more is required to pass the module. All assessment instruments must be attempted.
There is an attendance requirement for the practical sessions.

Carron, A. V. and Hausenblaus, H. A. (1998) Group dynamics in sport. 2nd ed. Fitness Information Technology: USA.

Cox, R.H. (2001) Sport psychology: Concepts and applications. 7th ed.  McGraw-Hill Education: Europe

Gill, D. and Williams, L. (2008) Psychological dynamics of Sport and Exercise. Human Kinetics

Hardy, L, Jones, G. and Gould, D. (1996) Understanding psychological preparation for sport:
Theory and practice of elite performers. John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Heil, J. (1993) Psychology of sport injury. Human Kinetics: Champaign, Illinois.

Jowett, S. and Lavallee, D. (2007) Social psychology in sport. Human Kinetics

Kerr, J.H. (1999) Motivation and emotion in sport: Reversal theory. 2nd ed. Psychology Press.

Thatcher, J., Day, M. and Rahman, R. (2011) Sport and exercise psychology. Learning MattersLtd.

Weinberg, R.S. and Gould, D. (2011) Foundations of sport and exercise psychology. 5th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Journals
The Sport Psychologist
International Journal of Sport Psychology
Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
Journal of Sports Sciences