Week 1: Introduction to Sport Psychology

What is Sport and Exercise Psychology?

The scientific study of people and their behaviours in sport and exercise contexts and the practical application of that knowledge (Gill et al, 2017)

What was significant about Norman Triplett's research in 1898?

It studied pacing and competition, showing that competition times were 5% faster when participants cycled in groups compared to alone.

• Cycling task

• Children’s fishing reel task

Who conducted research on the acquisition of skill in archery in 1915?

Karl Lashley.

Who established the first lab in motor learning and sport psychology?

Coleman Griffith in 1925.

When was the first Sport Psychology conference held?

In 1956 in the USSR.

What year was the International Society of Sport Psychology established?

1965.

What organisations were established in 1968?

European Federation of Sport Psychology (FEPSAC) and North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA).

When was the British Psychological Society (BPS) established?

1984.

What is the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science (CASES)?

Established in 1901.

Outline the key dates in history associated with sports psychology

1898: Norman Triplett's research on pacing and competition: social facilitation; cycling task, competition times were 5% faster, children fishing reel task

1915: Karl Lashley - 'the acquisition of skill in archery'

1925: Coleman Griffith - first lab in motor learning/sport psychology

1956: First Sport Psychology conference held (USSR)

1965: International Society of Sport psychology established

1968: European Federation of Sport Psychology (FEPSAC) and North American Society for Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA) established

• 1984: BPS established

• 1901: Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Science (CASES) established