Module Code - Title:
SS4111
-
APPLIED SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The emphasis in this module is on the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies to applied settings in sport for performance enhancement. Specifically, students will explore the social and psychological factors related to sport participation and peak sport performance. Finally, the module will focus on the assessment and evaluation of the reliability and validity of psychometric questionnaires relating to performance and how they are utilised in athletic populations.
Syllabus:
Content relating to performance enhancement, i.e. psychological characteristics of peak performance, characteristics of elite athletes and their development, increasing of awareness; selected mental skills and strategies (e.g. muscle relaxation, autogenic training, meditation, self talk, plans & routines, simulation training); guidelines and procedures for implementing intervention strategies; conducting mental skills training programmes; conducting a needs analysis by way of use of psychometric questionnaires. Attention will also be given to the environment in which sport occurs focusing on aspects of group dynamics.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Critically discuss recent findings in the sport psychology literature
2. Critically evaluate research findings in the sport psychology domain
3. Critically discuss the nature and impact of group dynamics in applied sport situations
4. Conduct a needs assessment of a performer using different methods
5. Appreciate the importance of an individualised approach for supporting sport performers
6. Identify guidelines for the application of psychological concepts, skills and strategies to applied sport situations
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Appreciate the relationship of sport psychology to the different needs and requirements of sport performers
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On completion of this modules students will be able to; 1. Demonstrate the application of a range of sport psychology applied skills to sport through involvement in active learning processes, practical experiences and interaction with fellow students
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
A combination of lectures, labs and independent study.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Weinberg, RS & Gould D (2018)
Foundations of sport and exercise psychology
, Human Kinetics
Cox, R (2012)
Sport psychology concepts and applications
, McGraw-Hill
Hardy, L, Jones, G & Gould D (1996)
Understanding psychological preparation for sport: Theory and practice of elite performers
, Wiley
Moran, AP & Toner J (2019)
Sport and exercise psychology: A critical introduction
, Routledge
Williams, J & Krane, V (2015)
Applied sport psychology: Personal growth to peak performance
, Mayfield
Other Relevant Texts:
Anshel, M (2019)
APA Handbook of Sport Psychology
, Wiley
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BSSESCUFA - SPORT AND EXERCISE SCIENCES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
mark.campbell@ul.ie