Disruptive Function Enhancing Production Cohesion - Assignment Example

Question 5: Discuss, using examples, the situational determinants of aggression Psychologists define aggression as any form of behaviour that is directed towards the intention of injuring or harming another person who is motivated to avoid such treatment (Weinberg & Gould, 2010). There are various factors that influence aggressive behaviours in sports. Key among these factors include situational determinants such as environmental temperature, perceptions of victim intent, fear of retaliation, structure of the game , goal orientation ,rivalry familiarity and frequency of play. Environmental temperature is a good example of a situation determinant that influences aggression. For examples, studies suggest a close link between increased aggression and high temperature. In sports, more incidents of aggression occur in hot weather seasons than in cold weather seasons. Perception of victim’s intention is another situational determinant that influences aggression. For example, when an individual in a group feel threatened they are bound to respond aggressively. Moreover, fear of retaliation is a factor that can influence aggressive behaviour. A person is likely to behave aggressively when the feel like they are at risk and they believe that the chance of retaliation is high. The structure of the game is also another important factor that can contribute to aggression during sporting events. For example, when a sports facility or a stadium is overcrowded or takes place in a confined place people tend to be aggressive due to discomfort. Furthermore, goal orientation and the frustrations experienced when these goals are not achieved is another situational determinant of aggression. Failure to realise performance goals can contribute to aggression. However, aggression is more likely to take place due to circumstances that cause frustration like bad decision made by referees or a performance mistake caused by a particular player that costs the entire team its victory. In addition to this, rivalry and familiarity of the game can contribute to increased aggression. When two rivalry teams or individuals are competing for the same title or goal, tension is usually high. Increased tension during such a game can sometimes lead to aggression. One party may feel threatened due to the success of the competitors, as a result they could respond aggressively to defeat. Sometimes familiarity between participating teams or individual players can lead to aggressive behaviour. When teams or individuals are accustomed to each other, they tend to develop certain pre-conceived perceptions about the other individual or team. In a case whereby their judgement of the competing individual or team is wrong, one party may feel threatened and this could in turn cause them to respond aggressively. Question 6: Critically discuss the role of imagery use in enhancing performance According to Weinberg (2008), imagery can be defined as the use of senses to create and recreate experiences in the mind. Many sports not only require physical abilities, mental aspects also play an important role in sports performance. That is why imagery can be important when it comes to improving sports performance. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the role that imagery plays in enhancing performance particularly in sports. Some studies show a positive link between imagery and enhanced performance while others predict that imagery plays an insignificant role in enhancing performance. Some scientific studies conducted demonstrate that if a person imagines a physical activity, the muscles involved are bound to get stimulated. This discovery confirms that imagery plays an important role in enhancing performance. A study conducted by Defrancesco and Burke (1997) examined professional tennis players and their use imagery for mental preparation before competition. The study showed that the elite athletes attribute psychological skills more often as reasons for their successful performances in tournaments. According to this study, imagery was one of the most common mental strategies used by the participating athletes. Coaches often encourage their athletes to use imagery to help them learn new skills and to improve skills including improving the skills they already possess .In addition, imagery is often a key aspect in the mental training program developed and implemented by sport psychologists (Defrancesco and Burke 1997). Imagery has been used a preparatory method used before sports performance. It has been used alongside other interventions to improve performance. For example, Suinn (1993) developed a method referred to as Visuo-motor Behavior Rehearsal (VMBR), this method combines imagery and relaxation. Over time, the use of this method has demonstrated an increase in neuromuscular activity in the muscles especially amongst skiers. Other studies have confirmed that the use of imagery as a psychological intervention can contribute to positive performance in sports such as tennis, golf, basketball and skating (Perry & Morris, 1995). A number of theories explain how imagery helps to improve performance. For example, the psychoeneuromascular theory suggests that similar impulses occur in the brain and in the muscles when athletes imagine the movements without actually performing the movements that they have imagined. According to this theory, imagery can help to initiate neuromuscular pattern associated with a certain skill (Rushall & Lippman, 1998). Moreover, the Symbolic Learning Theory suggests that imagery may function as a coding system to help people understand and acquire movement patterns (Weinberg & Gould, 1995). This theory applies more to cognitive learning such as game strategies. In addition to this, the Bioinformational Theory suggests that when athletes engage in imagery, they activate stimulus (Hecker & Kaczor, 1988). These theories confirm that imagery plays an important role in performance. Question 8: Group cohesion is essential for successful team performance. Discuss. Group cohesion can be defined as a state in which group members have bonds connecting them to one another and to their group as a whole. According to Beauchamp & Eys (2007) group cohesion develops as a result of binding social forces that make members stay in the group. Group cohesion is important for successful and effective team performance since it ensures that a group stays together despite of the differences. In any group, members are bound to have different personalities, opinions, interests and priorities as a result conflict is bound to arise. The bond between members in a cohesive group can enable them to effectively resolve conflicts. Groups that lack cohesiveness tend to face a lot of conflicts, perform poorly and they also tend to break up easily since there are no bonds, unity or teamwork among group members. Group cohesion helps members to become united towards the achievement of a common goal. Cohesive groups usually have strong unifying forces that help the group members to become united and improve their teamwork. Improved teamwork may eventually lead to successful team performance (Beauchamp & Eys 2007). A high level of group cohesion has been associated with a high level of group performance. When there is cohesion within a group, members tend to communicate and work together in a positive manner. Due to this, members in cohesive groups experience high levels of satisfaction, they also tend to experience low levels of anxiety or tension. In addition, members in cohesive groups tend to have good relationships this in turn leads to cooperation and also helps to enhance team performance. Group cohesion also contributes to a unified commitment towards tasks, purpose and goals in a team. Commitment plays an important role in realising success in any activity. When all members in a group are fully committed towards attaining a common goal, the team can function smoothly and achieve better performance outcomes (Nijstad, 2009). Moreover, group cohesion is important since it helps to keep the group together and motivate group members to work hard on behalf of their group. Team members in a cohesive group tend to put aside their personal interests and work on the best interests of the entire group. Cohesion is considered as a key attribute of successful groups. Over the years, cohesion has played a key role in sports. A number of sports teams such as the New York Yankees, Chicago Bulls and Manchester United have attributed their success to team cohesion. The lack of cohesion has been a major factor for losing teams. A number of studies have showed that successful and effective teams are more than just a collection of successful and talented members. In order for a team to achieve success, they need to combine the abilities, talents and efforts of all members in a united manner. Therefore, group cohesion is essential for successful team performance (Beauchamp & Eys, 2007). References Beauchamp, M. & Eys, M. (2007). Group dynamics in exercise and sport psychology: contemporary themes. New York: Taylor & Francis. Defrancesco, C., & Burke, L. (1997). Performance enhancement strategies used in a professional tennis tournament. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 28, 185-195. Heckor, E., & Kaczor, M. (1988). Application of imagery theory to sport psychology: some preliminary findings. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 10, 363-373. Nijstad, B. (2009). Group performance. New York: Psychology Press. Perry, C., & Morris, T. (1995). Mental imagery in Sport. In T. Morris & J. Summers (Eds), Sport Psychology: Theory applications and issues. Brisbane: John Wiley. Rushall, S. & Lippman, L. G. (1998). The role of imagery in physical performance. International Journal of sport Psychology, 29, 57-72. Suinn, M. (1993). Imagery. In. R. Singer, M. Murphy, & K. Tenant (Eds), Handbook of research in sport Psychology (pp. 492-510). New York: Macmillan. Weinberg, R., & Gould, D. (1995). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Windsor: Human Kinetics.   Weinberg, R. (2008). Does imagery work? Effects on performance and mental skills. Journal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity. Volume 3(1), 1-21. Weinberg, R., & Gould, D. (2010). Foundations of sports and exercise psychology. New York: Human Kinetics. Read More