BIRKBECK, University of London, FACULTY OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Module/Occurrence Code: FFPS005UACB
Subject Area:
Psychology
Module Title:
Sports Psychology
Award Designation:
Applied Psychology (Certificate of Higher Education)
Institution:
Birkbeck, University of London
First Meeting:
Thu 17 Apr 2008, 7:00 pm -9:00 pm
No of Meetings:
11 meeting(s)
Class Dates:
17/04/08 – 26/06/08
Class Taught by:
Lecturers to be announced
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The course is open to all.
AIM
To examine critically some of the ways psychology has been applied to the world of sports.
OBJECTIVES
 Examine current issues in the field of sports psychology.
 Consider the ways in which psychology such as theories of motivation, stress and personality
are applied to the world of sports.
 Introduce and discuss research methodologies as they apply to the field of sports psychology.
 Give an overview of the research methods used within this area of psychology, including their
relative advantages and disadvantages.
 Highlight the ethical issues involved when conducting research (in particular harm) and the
issues that arise when trying to generalise results (for example across cultures).
 Support students to take part in the assessment process.
 Build students’ confidence in presenting their own ideas and in critical thinking.
 Support and develop students’ study skills, including note taking and essay writing.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:
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Describe and discuss how theories of motivation, stress and personality are applied to the world
of sports.
Demonstrate an understanding of the development of ideas within this field, and of
contemporary approaches and issues.
Recognise a range of research methods that might be appropriate to the study of this area of
psychology (identifying strengths and weaknesses of core methodologies).
Identify the ethical issues when conducting research in this area (with particular
consideration of harm).
Demonstrate an appropriate awareness of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and
research.
Think critically about the subjects covered.
Present your own ideas about issues addressed on the course.
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Discuss and implement a range of strategies to support your learning.
Successfully plan and write essays or other assignments which have been set to support your
learning on this course.
CONTENT
Origins and methods in sports psychology
In the first part of the course the history of sports psychology will be covered, as well as the
methods used in relevant research. We shall also discuss the role and methods of the sports
psychologist.
Elements of learning and training
In this part of the course the motor skill model will be examined. Other areas we will study include
the roles of practice and feedback; attentional training and styles of attention; mental practice and
the use of imagery and goal setting. Building on this knowledge we shall consider how best to
design training programmes.
Teams and leadership
The findings of social psychology will be related to sports psychology in this part of the course:
models of group behaviour; group performance and team work; team building and coaching;
leadership roles and theories of leadership; leadership styles and performance.
Motivation and stress
In this section the focus is on theories of motivation and stress: types of motivation (intrinsic and
extrinsic); aggression, competition and achievement; competence motivation; self-esteem and selfconfidence; anxiety, arousal and performance; stress management, burnout and recovery.
Personality and sport
Finally we shall discuss relevant theories of personality and examine research into sports and
personality. We shall also consider gender roles and sport behaviour.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS
A range of teaching methods may be used e.g. lectures on the area being studied - students are
encouraged to ask questions and discuss points throughout. There may also be small group
exercises with feedback to the large group to provide an opportunity for clarification of ideas and
discussion. Other methods may include: videos, experiments, student presentations, discussion of
published articles, etc. Students will be given help with study skills.
It is expected that approximately 75% of the syllabus will be covered in class.
METHODS OF ASSESSMENT
The assessment process gives students important opportunities to learn, to check their learning and
to discuss their progress with the tutor. Consequently, students will be expected to prepare two
pieces of coursework for assessment. These may take a variety of forms such as essays, case
studies, reports and possibly class presentations. Each piece will be 1,500 words in length (or the
equivalent). Students may be able to negotiate with the tutor to complete one longer piece of work
(3,000 words or equivalent). You are encouraged to discuss with your tutor the particular topics and
the type of assignment they would like to focus on in your assessments. It may be possible to
accommodate your personal interests within the syllabus.
The course is part of the Certificates and Diplomas in Applied Psychology. If the course is
completed successfully, 15 CATS points will be awarded, which may be transferred to some degree
courses.
READING
Preparatory reading
If this is the first course you have taken in psychology it may be useful to read a chapter from an
introductory text that outlines the main schools of thought within psychology and the main
approaches to research methods. You will also find one or two introductory chapters on the main
schools of thought and research methods in most general introductions to psychology e.g.
Atkinson, R.C., Atkinson, R.L. et al. (2000). Introduction to Psychology. (13th ed.).
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Gross, R. (2005). Psychology: the Science of Mind and Behaviour (5th ed). Hodder.
NB This is slightly easier to read than the book by Atkinson et al.
Introductory books of this type covers similar material. It is the detail in each that will vary. Have a
look and see which one you find easy to read, interesting and useful. It would be best if you could
borrow such a book from a library as it is only particular parts that you will need for this course.
Recommended texts
You are not expected to read all the books listed below. They are examples of books that you may
find interesting or useful. Your tutor will offer further guidance during the course.
Cox, R. H. (1998) Sport Psychology. (4th ed). McGraw-Hill.
Bakker, F.C. et al. (1990) Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications. Wiley.
Hardy, L. & Jones, G. (1992) Sports Psychology. Sports Council.
Hardy, L., Jones, G. & Gould, D. (1996) Understanding Psychological Preparation for Sport.
Wiley.
Jarvis, M. (1999) Sport Psychology. Routledge.
Jones, J.G. & Hardy, L. (1990). Stress and Performance in Sport. Wiley.
Kremer, J. & Crawford, W. (1989) The Psychology of Sport: Theory and Practice. BPS Books.
Russell, G.W. (1993). The Social Psychology of Sport. Springer Verlag.
Weinberg, R.S. (2000). Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Human Kinetics.
Woods, B & McIlveen, R (1997). Applying Psychology to Sport. Hodder & Stoughton.
The course lecturer may also recommend other books for use during the course.
Library and study skills resources
You may find the following web links helpful for your studies.
 For information on the resources available for psychology students through Birkbeck
College Library, including on-line books, reference works, journals, catalogues, and
search tools go to: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/lib/life/
 For guidance on study skills, including essay and report writing, research and referencing,
go to http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/psychology where you will be directed to relevant links.
 For specific guidance for psychologists and psychology students on getting the best out
the internet go to http://www.vts.rdn.ac.uk/tutorial/psychologist
Course Evaluation:
During the course students will be asked to complete an evaluation form which gives the
opportunity to provide feedback on all aspects of their learning.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
For further details on this module, the Certificate of Higher Education, progression and
resources available to students please consult our website:
www.bbk.ac.uk/ce/psychology
Revised 2007