Imagery

functions of imagery: motivational

• motivational general mastery

• motivational general arousal

what do athletes image

• aspects: surroundings

• the nature of imagery: the positive or negative character of images, the senses involved

• type of imagery: visual, kinesthetic, auditory & olfactory

• imagery perspective: internal vs external

factors in effectiveness of imagery

• nature of the task

• skill level

• imagining ability

• using imagery with physical practice

• personality

nature of the task

imagery affects performance of most cognitive tasks such as decision making & perception

skill level of the performer

imagery helps performance for both novice & experienced performance

imagining ability

imagery is effective when individual is higher in their ability to imagine

using imagery

imagery should be used in addition to physical practice

personality

certain personality characteristics may be linked with effective imagery

psychoneuromuscular theory

imagery facilitates the learning of motor skills because imagined events innervate the muscle as physical practice of the movement does; strengthen neural pathways

symbolic learning theory

imagery functions as coding system to help people understand & acquire movement patterns

bioinformational theory

critical to imagine not only stimulus propositions but also response propositions

functional equivalence theory

imagery & physical practice are functionally equivalent in that imagery & physical practice access common neural mechanisms associated with actual motor control of a movement

• imagery enhances outcomes through changes in neural pathways & synapses responsible for actual performance causing to activate during actual execution of skill

triple code model

• imagery compromises the image, somatic response and meaning of image

• primary importance is placed in psychophysiology of imagery & understanding the imagery parts: image, somatic response & meaning

attention-arousal set theory

imagery functions as preparatory set that assists in reaching optimal arousal

psychological skills hypothesis

imagery enhances feelings of confidence, reduces anxiety levels increases concentration

keys to effective imagery

• vividness: using all senses to make images vivid & detailed

• controllability: learn to manipulate images to do what you want

use of imagery in sport setting

• competitive outcomes: images of good performance

• fitness & health outcomes: images of improvements in health/fitness

• emotions & feelings: images that increase arousal or reduce stress

• exercise self efficacy: images that provide confidence

PETTLEP model of Imagery

• Physical nature of movemet

• Environment specifics

• Task type

• Timing of movement

• Learning movement

• Emotion

• Perspective (internal/external)

types of imagery measures

• the movement imagery questionnaire revised

• sport imagery questionnaire

• sport imagery ability questionnaire

Imagery training program

• practice in many settings

• aim for relaxed concentration

• set realistic expectations & be motivated

• use vivid & controllable images

• apply imagery to specific situations

• maintain positive focus

• consider use of video/audio recordings

• include execution & outcomes

• use good timing of imagery