personality

• key term - extrovert

  extroverts have loud and bright personalities
• key term - social learning theory

  this theory suggests that behaviour is learned from significant others by socialisation
• key term - trait theory

  a theory which suggests that innate characteristics produce consistent behaviour.
• key term - interactionist perspective

  a theory which combines trait and social learning to predict behaviour in a specific situation.
• personality

  Personality comprises the unique, psychological, temperamental features of an individual.

  Personality has implications for the way coaches and players approach training and competition.

  Some psychologists argue that personality characteristics are innate; others argue that they are learned.
• trait perspective

  The trait theory of personality is that an individual is born with innate characteristics = traits -> these are stable, enduring and stay the same in different situations.

  Behaviour is said to be consistent – performer will behave the same on and off the pitch.

  Trait theorists – Eysenck, Cattell and Girando suggest that behaviour can be predicted. They suggest personality is stable and enduring.
• sporting example of trait theory

  e.g., a netballer who is very calm and controlled would always show these characteristics even when playing against a aggressive opponent who is constantly contacting her – her coach can be confident that she will not retaliate.
• limitation of trait theory

  This approach does not consider any effects environmental learning may have on the performer, that personality cannot in fact be predicted, or that individuals may consciously decide to structure their own personality.
• social learning perspective

  SLT approach (Bandura) suggests personality is not innate but is learned from our experiences. It changes according to the situation -> personality and behaviour cannot be predicted.

  We observe and copy the behaviour and personality of others, especially significant others (those we hold in high esteem) e.g., parents, teachers, coaches, friends, role models in the media.

  Socialisation also plays an important part – personality traits can be developed by associating with other people and picking up their behaviour.
• social learning theory behaviour is more likely if...

  If behaviour is successful or praised by a coach, it is highly likely that we will imitate it.

  A performer is more likely to copy the behaviour/personality of those who share similar characteristics such as gender, age, and ability levels, and those who are significant.

  Observe -> identify -> reinforce -> copy
• interactionist perspective

  The interactionist perspective of personality suggests that personality is made up of traits and the influence of what you have learned from your environmental experiences. It accepts that parts of both trait and SL approaches are relevant and so combines them.
• Lewin approach to personality - interactionist perspective

  Lewin suggested that an individuals personality is produced when both their natural predispositions and the experiences they have combine in a specific situation. His equation to describe this is B = f (P x E), meaning behaviour is a function of an individuals personality traits and the environment.

  A performer will adapt to situations they find themselves in, even behaving differently to how they normally would

  The interactionist perspective suggests that we can predict behaviour and personality in a specific situation
• lewins approach to personality -> sporting example

  a generally introverted gymnast is reserved ordinarily but has learnt to adapt when performing and displays more assertive extroverted characteristics during comps to appeal to judges.
• Hollander's approach to the interactionist approach to personality

  Hollander suggested that there are 3 aspects to an individuals personality -> the core, typical responses and role related behaviour

  The core = stable, solid, & not likely to change. It is the real you, your true beliefs & values. It is often kept hidden.

  Typical responses = how the player usually responds.

  Role related behaviour = how an individual responds in a specific environment. This may be uncharacteristic behaviour. It's most unstable aspect of your personality doesn't necessarily reflect the psychological core.
• how could a coach use the interactionist idea to help improve team & individual performance

  ●coach could predict any potential unacceptable/aggressive behaviour & remove player from situation - substitution. This could avoid any potential red cards or cautions
• how coach can use interactionist perspective to improve performance

  ●coach could identify situations that cause inappropriate actions or a dropping off of performance & create similar situations in training so that the player can learn to cope. A nervous player could learn to cope with the effect of being watched by a crowd by getting used to being observed during practice
• how coach can use the interactionist perspective to improve performance

  .●The coach could use the interactionist approach to change player behaviour by encouraging players to adapt to specific situation. If a player is anxious about taking a penalty the coach can offer advice and support and encouragement during penalty practice so that the player learns to be more in control when taking penalties