SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
SCENARIO
12.3
PREPARATION
1
a
Make a list of the sports you have
played. Put them in order of enjoyment.
Compare your list with a partner and
explain your order.
1
b
Match the different personality types
in the box with the descriptions below.
social competitive risk-taking
1
I perform better when I challenge
someone.
2
I like doing dangerous activities like
rock climbing.
3
I like meeting people and being part of
a team.
1
c
Which of the personality types above
would or wouldn’t suit the sports in the
box? Explain your reasons.
yoga bowling rugby tennis
rock climbing snowboarding
A competitive personality wouldn’t suit
yoga because you don’t score points in
yoga.
SITUATION
Sport involves the body and the mind, and sports psychologists
help professional sports people improve their performance. These
psychologists can also help people find the sports that best suit
their personality. Dr Sophia Mannit is a sports psychologist working
in a sports centre. She uses a questionnaire to analyse customers’
personalities and suggest suitable sports.
2
a
12.2
Listen to her interview with Adel and make notes. Which
of these situations do they discuss, and in what order?
a
going on holiday
c
doing an examination
b
playing sport with a friend
d
going on a day trip
2
b
Work with a partner. Can you remember any of the questions
that were asked by Dr Mannit? Use your notes to help you.
2
c
Listen again. Check your ideas from above, and answer these
questions.
1
Which personality type do you think each question relates to?
2
Which answer (A–C) does Adel choose for each question?
3
What do you think his answers show about his personality?
3
a
12.3
Listen to Dr Mannit explain what Adel’s answers show and
make notes. What has she found out about Adel?
3
b
In each question, Adel’s answers to the questionnaire are graded
(i.e.
very
,
quite
,
not at all
) to show different degrees of agreement
with the adjective. Look at Audio scripts 12.2 and 12.3 on page 163
and find examples of this language. What does each answer mean?
very competitive = really like challenging someone
quite competitive = like to challenge occasionally someone
non-competitive = not interested in challenging someone
98
