SPORT PSYCHOLOGY

                                             Psychology 20 - Fall 2008

 

 

Bill Wilson                                                          OFFICE HRS: M/W 11:15am - 12:45pm

Office: Cedar #11                                                                         T/TH  11:15am - 12:15pm

Phone ((209) 588-5228                                                                 Additional Hours by Appt.

wilsonwh@yosemite.edu                                                        

                                                                                     

DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

 

The course serves as an introductory survey of the theoretical and practical applications of

psychology to sport and exercise.  Cognitive, behavioral, social-psychological and

affective factors related to populations and topics in sport and exercise will be covered. 

Topics include introduction to sport psychology, personality and sport, audience effect, aggression, arousal/stress, anxiety, motivation, drugs use, and youth issues/gender issues.

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

 

To promote intellectual curiosity and appreciation for the field of sport psychology

To think critically about issues and theories in sport psychology

To develop scientific thinking through an understanding of the scientific method

Identify, describe, and apply basic concepts in sport psychology

Explain how psychological and social factors influence performance in sport and exercise

To increase understanding of the thoughts and behaviors of oneself and others in the

context of sport

 

 

TEXT:

 

Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology, Weinberg, Robert, & Gould, Daniel,

4th ed., Human Kinetics, 2007

 

The text is probably most easily understood when read in smaller quantities over the term.  Reading assignments represent the best match of the text to lecture, discussion, and

activities.  Completing the reading when assigned will assist in understanding.  Failure to read/study the text is likely to have negative consequences of a fairly obvious kind.

 

LECTURES & CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

 

Lecture/activity and text are intended to complement one another.  In some cases, text

material will be presented in the lecture/activity.  Frequently the information from the text

will not be covered during class.  If after your reading you have questions about the

material, ask me prior to the beginning of class, after class, or see me during my

office hours.

During lecture, questions and discussion are strongly encouraged. It is a mistake to

go to class and expect to have knowledge shoveled into your brain. In this course,

discussion, debate and interaction with other students and the instructor are critical for understanding.

 

REQUIREMENTS

The course grade will be based on the specific requirements listed below

 

Attendance:  You are expected to be in attendance and on time for all class sessions. 

If you are absent you are responsible for anything you missed as well as the on-time completion of assignments and activities. 

 

Tests:  There will be three (3) tests. Tests may include material from reading assignments,

lectures, videos, class activities and outside assignments.  Generally tests are not

comprehensive.  However, from time to time there may be exceptions, so be prepared.

Absent prior consultation and instructor approval, there are no make up tests

(150 points = 50% of course grade)

             

Application assignments:  To demonstrate both understanding and application you will

be required to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of sport psychology.

Demonstration may include written and performance components.

(150 points = 50% of course grade)

 

Please Note:  Selected application assignments may be conducted in small groups.

However, grades are given on an individual basis.  Each student is independently

evaluated and a grade is assigned based on the quantity and quality of his/her work.

 

GRADING STANDARD:

The final course grade is based on the total number of points accumulated from the

course requirements listed in the previous section.

 

A = 270 – 300

B = 240 – 269

C = 210 – 239

D = 180 – 209

F = < 179

Extra-Credit:  There are no extra-credit opportunities

 

Tape Recorders:  Recording lecture/class discussion/class activities is not permitted.  If

you have special needs regarding this issue, please see me after class.

 

WITHDRAWING FROM THE COURSE:  If necessary, it is the student’s

responsibility to officially withdraw from class.  Failure to do so may result in a course

grade of F.

 

CLASS CANCELLATION:  If class is cancelled you are still responsible for that

weeks reading and assignments. 

 COURSE CALENDAR:

The course calendar provides a brief outline of selected reading, tests and is not

exhaustive.  Additional information regarding in-class and out-of-class assignments,

reading of handouts etc. will be provided in class.  Reading assignments should be

completed prior to the class designated for that particular topic.  Please complete the

reading on time.  It will assist in your understanding of the material and enable you to contribute during class discussions and activities.

 

The instructor reserves the right to revise any portion of this course calendar

during the course.  Changes will be announced in class.

 

Estimated preparation time for each class session is three (3) hours.

 

Week 1:  Introduction to Sport and Exercise Psychology (chapter 1)

               Research Methods in Sport Psychology (chapter 1)

 

Week 2:  Personality and Sport Performance (chapter 2)

                                         

Week 3:  Motivation (chapter 3)

                

Week 4:  Arousal/Stress/Anxiety (chapter 4)

               Arousal Regulation (chapter 12)

 

Week 5:  Test #1 

               Competition & Cooperation (chapter 5)

                             

Week 6:  Reinforcement Learning and Sport (chapter 6)             

                

Week 7:  Group & team dynamics (chapter 7)

                         Group cohesion

 

Week 8:  Imagery (chapter 13)

               Goal Setting (chapter 15)

                                   

Week 9:  Concentration (chapter 16)

                Test #2  

 

Week 10:  Aggression in Sport (chapter 23)

                 Spectator Aggression

        

Week 11:  Audience Effects

                 Addiction/Drugs (chapter 20)

                                               

Week 12:  Research Presentations (poster session)                                       

 

Week 13:  Addiction/Drugs

                 Youth Issues (chapter 22)

                             

Week 14:  Exercise & Psychological Well-Being (chapters 17 & 18)

          Overtraining & Burnout (chapter 21)

                               

Week 15:  Character Development & Sport (chapter 24)

                 Disengagement from Sports

                  

Week 16: Test #3

 

*Reminder:  Application assignments, and additional reading are not listed in the

  course calendar and will be assigned in class.