The scientific study and application of psychological

principles to sports and exercise.

The scientific study and application of psychological

principles to sports and exercise.

RolesRoles ConsultingConsulting

ConsultingConsulting

TeachingTeaching TeachingTeaching

ResearchResearch ResearchResearch

Utilizing techniques supported by psychology researchUtilizing techniques supported by psychology research Examples:Examples:

U.S. Olympic Training CentersProfessional sports teamProfessional athlete (e.g., golfer, tennis pro))College athletic departmentHigh School athleticsOther (e.g., competitive or recreational athletes)Fitness and health clubs

Utilizing techniques supported by psychology researchUtilizing techniques supported by psychology research Examples:Examples:

U.S. Olympic Training CentersProfessional sports teamProfessional athlete (e.g., golfer, tennis pro))College athletic departmentHigh School athleticsOther (e.g., competitive or recreational athletes)Fitness and health clubs

ConsultingConsulting

Two primary routes:Two primary routes: Psychological training (with Psychological training (with

specialty training in sports specialty training in sports science)science)

Sports science / Physical Sports science / Physical education training (with special education training (with special focus on psychology)focus on psychology)

Two primary routes:Two primary routes: Psychological training (with Psychological training (with

specialty training in sports specialty training in sports science)science)

Sports science / Physical Sports science / Physical education training (with special education training (with special focus on psychology)focus on psychology)

Becoming a sport Becoming a sport psychologistpsychologist

Scientist-Practitioner modelScientist-Practitioner model Methodology -- hMethodology -- how to ask and

answer your question using an empirical approach

Examples: (“JASP recent contents”)

Scientist-Practitioner modelScientist-Practitioner model Methodology -- hMethodology -- how to ask and

answer your question using an empirical approach

Examples: (“JASP recent contents”)

Research in Sport PsychologyResearch in Sport Psychology

Is participation in organized youth sports beneficial to children ages 4-8?

Is participation in organized youth sports beneficial to children ages 4-8?

Research Question ExampleResearch Question Example

Need to define the variables– Participation?– Benefit?

moral development self-esteem prosocial behavior improved grades

Need to define the variables– Participation?– Benefit?

moral development self-esteem prosocial behavior improved grades

Defining VariablesDefining Variables

How would you study if participation is beneficial?

– Observation

– Case Study

– Survey

– Experiment (random assignment?)

How would you study if participation is beneficial?

– Observation

– Case Study

– Survey

– Experiment (random assignment?)

Research strategiesResearch strategies

Small group exercise – how do you best answer your research question? (Use the question that you brought in and share in your group)

Small group exercise – how do you best answer your research question? (Use the question that you brought in and share in your group)

Research strategiesResearch strategies