SPRING 2012

PSY 244: Sport Psychology

Stephen Weiss, Ph.D.

Office: D 205.6W

Office Phone #: 860-823-2819

Office Hours:

 

MW 4:00-5:00 PM

TUTH 10:00-11:00 AM

& by appointment

E-Mail: sweiss@trcc.commnet.edu

Class Room: E 204

Class Schedule:

TUTH 2:30-3:45 PM

Website: http://smw15.org/

This page last updated: 04/30/12 – 9:00 AM

PowerPoint Presentations                                            

Chapters: 1/2/4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, Weiss (2010), 21/22, 23/24, 25/26, 27/28

Course Description:  A comprehensive study of the psychological concepts related to fitness and sports behavior. The course covers the history and evolution of this emerging field of study and practice. The course includes elements of experimental psychology such as motivation, cognition, and learning which are also apparent in sport psychology. Additional topics include personal goal-setting, competitive anxiety, personality characteristics of athletes, psychology of coaching, team cohesion, and the effects of sports on spectators.  

 

Student Learning Outcomes: After completing this course, the successful student will have the following knowledge and skills.

 

Critical Thinking:  Utilize critical thinking skills to analyze theories and research data

Information Literacy:  Assess what information is needed to answer questions as well as evaluate the quality of information

Communication:  Understand and express ideas about sport psychology through reading and writing

Systematic Inquiry:  Understand social science research methods used in sport psychology

Required Texts: Sport Psychology by Arnold LeUnes, 4th edition, 2008; In Pursuit of Excellence by Terry Orlick, 4th edition, 2008.

 

 

Grading Criteria

Points

Percentage

4 Tests

400

72.7%

Research Paper

100

 18.2%

Presentation

50

9.1%

Total

550

100%

Note: Above grading criteria is not subject to change. No extra credit assignments will be offered.


Grading System:

 

Grade

%

Total Points

A

94+

517+

A-

90-93

495-516

B+

87-89

479-494

B

84-86

462-478

B-

80-83

440-461

C+

77-79

424-439

C

74-76

407-423

C-

70-73

385-406

D+

67-69

369-384

D

64-66

352-368

D-

60-63

330-351

F

-60

-330

Notes:

(1)  While class attendance will not be calculated into the above grades, excessive absences (6-7) will result in a decrease of a full letter grade (for example from C to D). 8-9 absences will cause your grade to be reduced by two full letters (for example from B to D). 10 or more absences will result in failure of the course.

(2)  If you DO NOT complete this course, you must formally withdraw at the registrar’s office by Dec. 9th. Failure to do so will likely result in you receiving an F on your transcript for this course.

 

 Tests: All tests will be part multiple choice, true/false and part short answer format. There will be no make-ups for the tests (unless, there is an emergency and I am informed immediately).

 

Research Paper: You will be required to write one paper during this semester (7-8 pages in length). Paper due: April 24.

Guidelines

Research Presentation: You will be required to give one presentation during this semester.

 

Guidelines

H

 

Reading Assignments:  The majority of the readings will come from the textbook.  Additional readings will be assigned well in advance of the exams.

Policy on Cheating and Plagiarism: Academic integrity is essential to a useful education. Failure to act with academic integrity severely limits a person’s ability to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Furthermore, academic dishonesty erodes the legitimacy of every degree awarded by the College. In this class and in the course of your academic career, present only your own best work; clearly document the sources of the material you use from others; and act at all times with honor.

 

If I have determined that you have copied from another student or other source, you will receive a grade of zero on that assignment or exam. A second offense will result in failure of the course. See your student handbook for additional information concerning academic integrity.

Disabilities Policy: Students with a documented disability are provided supportive service and accommodations to assist them with their academic objectives. Services are strictly confidential. Disability services may include individualized accommodations, advising, advocacy, counseling, technical assistant and referral information. For further information read this policy in your student handbook.

 

The following link will be helpful in your preparation for research paper:

 APA Guidelines

   

 Sport-Related Scales (mentioned in class):

 

Ř   Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS)

 

Ř   Reinvestment Scale (RS)

 

Articles to be read for TEST 1:

Ř   Weiss (2011) (Read pages 28-30, 35)

Articles to be read for TEST 2:

Ř   TBA

Articles to be read for TEST 3:

·      Weiss (2010)  (Read pages 1525-1528, 1534-1535 for Test 3)

 

·      Weiss & Loubier (2010)  (Read pages 508-510, 516-517)

 

o     Measures Related to above articles:

 

§      MAST

§      MAST Scoring

 

§      SOGS

§      SOGS Scoring

 Articles to be read for TEST 4:

Ř   TBA

Schedule of Classes

Date

Tentative Topics

Chapters

Jan 19

Syllabus; Introduction to Sport Psychology

Chapter 1-2 (SP); Chapter 4 (pp.57-59) (SP)

Jan 24, 26

Effects of Arousal and Anxiety on Performance

Chapters 6 & 8 (SP); Chapter 7 (IPOE)

Jan 31

Motivation in Sport and Exercise

Chapters 9-10 (SP); Chapters 1-2 (IPOE)

Feb 2

College Professional Day – No Class – Enjoy!

 

Feb 7, 9

Motivation in Sport and Exercise (continued)

Chapters 9-10 (SP); Chapters 1-2 (IPOE)

Feb 14

TEST 1: Chapters SP 1-2, 4 (pp. 57-59), 6, 8, 9-10; IPOE 1-2, 7

Click on this link for the Study Guide for Test 1

 

Feb 16, 21

Social Psychology of Sport

Chapters 11-12 (SP)

Feb 23, 28

Personality and Psychological Assessment in Athletes

Chapter 16 (SP)

Mar 1

Maladaptive Behaviors Among Athletes Part 1: Aggression; Spectator Violence

Ch 13 (pp. 235-242); Ch 14

Mar 6

Presentations

 

Mar 8

Maladaptive Behaviors Among Athletes Part 2: Doping

Chapter 20

Mar 13

TEST 2: Chapters SP 11-12, 13 (pp. 235-242), 14, 16

Click on this link for the Study Guide for Test 2

 

Mar 15

Doping (continued)

Chapter 20

Mar 18-25

Spring Break – Enjoy!

 

Mar 27, 29

Maladaptive Behaviors Among Athletes Part 3: Alcohol, Gambling, and other addictions

Weiss (2010)

Apr 3

Female Sports

Chapters 21-22 (SP)

Apr 5, 10

Presentations

 

Apr 12

Minority Athletes

Chapter 17 (SP)

Apr 17

Youth Sports

Chapters 23-24 (SP)

Apr 19

TEST 3: Chapters SP 17, 20-24; Weiss articles

 

Click on this link for the Study Guide for Test 3

 

 

Reminder: Paper is due next class (Apr 24th)!

 

Apr 24, 26

The Coach; Coaching relationships; Coaching Burn-out; Team Spirit

Chapters 25-26 (SP); 22-23 (IPOE)

Apr 26

High-Risk Athletes

Ch 18 (pp. 335-350) (SP)

May 1, 3

Presentations

 

May 8

Exercise Psychology

Chapters 27-28 (SP)

May 10

TEST 4: Chapters SP 18 (pp. 335-350), 25-28, IPOE 22-23

 

Click on this link for the Study Guide for Test 4