Founds of Sports Psych - Group Dynamics

Define a group + criteria

A group is defined as a collection of two or more individuals who are connected by and within social relationships

These collectives typically share instrumental goals, interact constantly, depend on one another for task achievements, are embedded within a social structure of norms and roles, and collectively identify as a distinct entity

Identify the four major types of roles that emerge in sports teams

1. Specialized Task: Actions directly related to the team's performance. Example: A striker in soccer whose primary role is scoring goals.

2. Auxiliary Task: Supplemental actions that are indirectly related to the team's success. Example: A player who focuses on supporting and encouraging teammates during high-pressure moments.

3. Social: Actions aimed at promoting harmony and positive relationships among teammates. Example: A "social convener" who organizes team gatherings outside of practice to build bonds.

4. Leadership: Actions for guiding teammates regarding both task and social aspects. Example: A team captain who provides verbal directions and inspirational words to fire up the team

Define role ambiguity

Role ambiguity is the vague or unclear understanding of the behavioral expectations a member has for their specific role within the group. It is the conceptual opposite of role clarity

Example: An athlete may experience role ambiguity if their coach provides inconsistent or conflicting expectations, leading the athlete to be unsure of their exact responsibilities during a competition

Define group cohesion

Group cohesion is defined as a "dynamic process that is reflected in the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for the satisfaction of member affective needs".

Example: A highly cohesive team is one where members are motivated to return to the team the following season because they feel personally connected to the group and its goals

Identify the 4 dimensions of group cohesion

Perceptions of cohesion are subdivided based on whether they are task- or social-related, and whether they are personal or group-focused:

1. Attractions to the Group-Task: The degree to which an athlete feels personally satisfied with their individual role and contribution to the team's success. Example: A basketball player feeling a high sense of pride in their specific defensive assignments.

2. Attractions to the Group-Social: The degree to which an athlete feels personally connected to their teammates. Example: An athlete feeling that their teammates are their closest friends.

3. Group Integration-Task: The athlete’s perception that the entire group is "on the same page" regarding its performance goals. Example: Every member of a rowing crew agreeing that their collective goal is to break a specific time record.

4. Group Integration-Social: The athlete’s belief that teammate relationships across the group are positive and strong. Example: A player believing that the team is a tight-knit family that enjoys spending time together regardless of win/loss outcomes.

Define social loafing

Social loafing refers to the phenomenon where individuals reduce their effort when they are working within a group context compared to when they work alone.

• Example: In a rope-pulling task (the Ringelmann effect), research showed that as the group size increased, the individual contribution of each member decreased, with members in an eight-person group only contributing 49% of their potential productivity.

Identify the four phases of effective team performance regulation

To maximize success, teams engage in an iterative process of performance regulation:

1. Preparation: Members identify the team's overall mission, specific goals, and the plans required to achieve them. Example: A team meeting before the season to outline a strategy for the championship.

2. Execution: Members enact their plans by coordinating efforts and communicating with one another. Example: A point guard in basketball dribbling to attract defenders while a teammate moves into open space to receive a pass.

3. Evaluation: Members monitor their progress to ensure they are following the plan and identify areas needing improvement. Example: A team reviewing game film to analyze why certain defensive plays failed.

4. Adjustment: Members modify their plans as necessary, which may involve brainstorming new solutions or providing feedback to one another. Example: A coach and team changing their offensive formation mid-game to counter an opponent's unexpected defensive scheme.