Theory & Scientific Study

• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • To arrive at some theories to explain what's going on (the hows & whys)
  • Theory is like a recipe: if follow the instructions going to get the outcome that it provides/expected
  • Help for accurate & meaningful improvement/outcome
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • A general approach to research using a variety of investigative strategies:
  • Historical Research
  • Observational
  • Descriptive
  • Experimental
  • Different methods to get data, depends on question
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Historical Research - descriptive, analytical
  • Experimental - group studies, field studies, laboratory studies, single subject design,...
  • Intervention, have someone do something different to control group
  • For comparison
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Observational - eg. participant observation
  • What are people doing
  • Difference bw/ 2 groups
  • Not as accurate
  • Descriptive - case studies, surveys, questionnaires, interviews
  • Describe what’s going on
  • Lot of psych & sport data
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Relies on observed evidence rather than biassed judgements or vague impressions
  • Sport personality ‘perfectionism’ example (Weinberg & Gould, 2019; p.34)
  • Never gonna be happy if too much of a perfectionist
  • 2 types of perfectionism
  • 1. with high expectations, but not stressed or anxious; helped them train well
  • Not automatically good or bad, how person perceives it can determine if it is or not
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Theory - what is theory?
  • The theory provides the principles for an outcome/idea of how & why something works
  • Theory goes beyond observations & descriptions to explain & predict behaviour
  • eg Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1986, 2002)
  • To either improve it or stop it
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Theories are never accepted as complete or absolute, but rather they are constantly tested & then modified or replaced
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • Sport/Exercise Psychology = Social Psych of Sport/Ex
  • We primarily use Social Psych Theories
  • As sport involves large social aspect
• Science is NOT a final answer but a CONTINUING PROCESS…

  • Sport/Exercise Sciences <→ Professional Practice
  • Eg PST/MST
• Basic Elements of the “Scientific Method”:

  • More than one theory, just improve & change overtime - never accepted are modified
• Science is NOT a final answer but a CONTINUING PROCESS…

  • Try to add to the knowledge
  • To help people be better
  • Such as Mental Skills Training (MST)
  • Based on research, need to be confident advice giving is trustworthy