92530 Sport and Exercise Psychology
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level: Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10300 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10301 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Management OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10302 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor of International Studies OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10303 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Management Bachelor of International Studies OR 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10328 Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Description
This subject examines sport performance and exercise participation in relation to cognitive and social psychological constructs. It emphasises the utilisation of sport psychology for performance enhancement in sport and examines the behavioural responses involved in exercise. Students learn how to implement relevant psychosocial theories in the delivery of sport and exercise, as well as how to utilise psychological skills, strategies, and approaches for improved sport performance.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Apply the fundamental theoretical concepts in health, sport and exercise psychology. |
|---|---|
| B. | Critically analyse the behavioural determinants of health, sport and exercise. |
| C. | Develop and explain a range of performance enhancing strategies for application in health, sport and exercise. |
| D. | Discuss issues relating to diversity in the context of health, sport and exercise. |
| E. | Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary issues in health, sport and exercise psychology. |
| F. | Describe effective communication strategies to promote health, sport and exercise for individuals and groups. |
Teaching and learning strategies
Formal and informal online learning activities constitute a large part of this subject. Students will be provided with a variety of online activities, inclusive of subject readings, and worksheets. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to engage with the lecturer and tutor through tutorial sessions and discussion forums.
Lecture recordings and associated lecture notes and/or slides will be uploaded onto Canvas each week. It is each student's responsibility to listen/view the lecture recordings, download the lecture notes and supplement these notes with learnings from the week, as well as complete readings. Students will have access to these lecture recordings and notes until the completion of the subject.
To encourage active learning, a tutorial session/s has been designed to provide experiential learning of sport psychology techniques and practices. In doing so, students will engage with instructors and peers in collaborative learning activities. Students are encouraged to fully engage in the processes covered to optimise understanding. Students are expected to attend the tutorial sessions each week.
Subject worksheets have been developed to further assist students with gaining skill and knowledge in the practical application of sport and exercise psychology. These worksheets utilise video clips, case study scenarios, and psychological tools and techniques to help students transition foundational theory and knowledge into 'real world' application within in the sport and exercise context. These sheets are not graded, rather the aim of the worksheets is to support student learning as well as assist with all of the assessment pieces and thus it is highly recommended that students complete each worksheet. Students are encouraged to contact the lecturer and/or tutor should they want to discuss the worksheets or have any questions concerning them.
Content (topics)
- Introduction to sport and exercise psychology
- Personality, psychological characteristics and performance
- Motivation and performance
- Arousal, anxiety and stress
- Feedback and reinforcement
- Diversity and inclusion
- Team dynamics, cohesion and leadership
- Psychological skills training
- Arousal Regulation
- Imagery and concentration
- Self-confidence and self-efficacy
- Goal setting
- Exercise behaviour, adherence and psychological well-being
- Psychology of injury and unhealthy & addictive behaviours
- Burnout and overtraining
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Online Quiz
| Intent: | The intent of the online quizzes are to assess students' understanding of the Sport and Exercise Psychology concepts and principles that have been taught to date. The content will help students establish the theoretical foundation needed for application of such concepts in sport and exercise settings. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 40 minutes to complete the quiz |
Assessment task 2: Group Assignment
| Intent: | The aim of the group assignment is to evaluate student understanding of the concepts and principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology in the 'real world'. Further, this assignment provides an opportunity for students to work collaboratively with peers in demonstrating their abilities to apply their learnings in a practical setting. Taking this first step in the shift from theory to practice will help students grasp how practice environments can be optimised with the inclusion of Sport and Exercise Psychology interventions. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C, D and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0, .0 and .1 |
| Type: | Project |
| Groupwork: | Group, individually assessed |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | Group Session Plan: Maximum of 5 pages (NOT including the APA cover page or the APA reference page) Group Member Critique: Maximum of 1 page |
Assessment task 3: Research Study Review
| Intent: | The aim of the research study review is for students to search, identify and review the relevant research literature to gain depth of knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Students will be expected to demonstrate their ability to discuss the theoretical shift from research to practice, and critically analyse and identify implications for professional practice. This assignment will help students understand and articulate the theoretical foundations and practical applications of sport and exercise psychology, as well as further develop their writing and critical thinking skills. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and B This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): .0 and .0 |
| Type: | Report |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | Three pages maximum (this is approximately 850-1000 words double spaced however 3 page max is the absolute limit). |
Minimum requirements
To PASS this subject, students must submit all assessment pieces and achieve a minimum mark of 50 after all assessment marks are combined.
Recommended texts
Weinberg, R.S. & Gould, D. (2018). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 7th edn, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Students are advised to acquire their own copy of this text. Hard-copy and electronic versions are available. Limited copies of these texts are available at the UTS library on closed reserve.
Please complete the set preparatory activities prior to the class in the week required.
NB: It is essential that students complete all required preparatory activities and/or readings. The required preparatory activities and/or readings will be considered assumed knowledge for tutorial classes and the examination.
References
Collins, D. & Cruickshank, A. (2022). Sport psychology essentials, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Lox, C.L., Martin Ginis, K.A., & Petruzzello, S.J. (2017). The psychology of exercise: Integrating theory and practice, 5th edn, Scottsdale, AZ: Holcolm Hatthaway Inc.
Razon, S. & Sachs, M.L. (2018). Applied Exercise Psychology: The challenging journey from motivation to adherence, New York, NY: Routledge.
Robbins, J.E., & Madrigal, L. (2016). Sport, exercise, and performance psychology: Bridging theory and application, New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co Inc.
Tod, D., Hodge., K & Krane, V. (2024). Routledge handbook of applied sport psychology: a comprehensive guide for students and practitioners, 2nd edn, New York, NY: Routledge.
Zenko, Z., & Jones, L. (Eds.). (2021). Essentials of exercise and sport psychology: An open access textbook. Society for Transparency, Openness, and Replication in Kinesiology. https://doi.org/10.51224/B1000
Examples of Peer-reviewed Academic Journals
- Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology
- International Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology
- Journal of Applied Sport Psychology
- Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology
- Journal of Sport Behaviour
- Sport and Exercise Psychology Journal
- The Sport Psychologist
- Psychology of Sport and Exercise
- Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport
- Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Other resources
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