Question 1

Before each basketball game, Miguel goes through a fixed routine, which helps him to

Accepted Answer

Miguel's fixed routine before each basketball game helps him to control his arousal level. This is important because if he is too aroused or anxious, it may negatively affect his performance on the court. By having a routine that he follows every time, Miguel can calm himself down and get into a mental state that is optimal for performing well in the game.

Question 2

An athlete evaluates his performance and makes adjustments to keep his performance at optimum levels.This athlete is using

Accepted Answer

Self-regulation strategies involve the continuous monitoring and evaluation of one's own performance and making necessary adjustments to maintain or improve performance levels. This is exactly what the athlete is doing in the given scenario. Task analysis refers to breaking down a complex task into smaller components, mental practice involves mentally rehearsing a task, and kinesthetic imaging involves visualizing the physical sensations associated with performing a task. These strategies may also be useful for improving performance, but they are not specifically mentioned in the given scenario.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT usually used to adjust one's arousal level?

Accepted Answer

Satisficing refers to making do with an option that meets one's basic needs or requirements but is not necessarily optimal. It is not a technique typically used to adjust arousal levels in sports or performance settings. The other options - going through a fixed routine, using imagery, and using relaxation techniques - are commonly used strategies for managing arousal levels.

Question 4

Just before the race, a sprinter at a track meet tries to become angry by picturing a rival cheating.This is likely to noticeably increase his arousal level and

Accepted Answer

Anger can increase physiological arousal, which for tasks requiring physical strength and energy, such as sprinting, can enhance performance by mobilizing energy reserves and increasing focus and determination.

Question 5

The goal of which field is to design machines and work environments so they are compatible with our sensory and motor capacities?

Accepted Answer

Human factors psychology, also known as ergonomics, focuses on optimizing the design of machines and work environments to best fit the sensory and motor capacities of humans. It takes into account factors such as physical comfort, safety, and efficiency to improve human performance and well-being in various settings.

Question 6

Human factor psychologists are involved with

Accepted Answer

The answer of Human factor psychologists are involved with
...

Question 7

Which of the following can be used to focus attention on the athlete's task and to mentally rehearse it beforehand?

Accepted Answer

Imaging techniques involve creating mental images of successful performance and can be used to focus attention and mentally rehearse the athlete's task beforehand. Satisficing refers to making a satisfactory decision rather than an optimal one. Ergonomics refers to designing equipment and environments to maximize efficiency and safety. Attentional overload refers to a situation where there is too much information or stimuli to process, leading to decreased performance.

Question 8

Before each of his golf shots, the golf great Jack Nicklaus said that he "watched a movie" in his head of him "making the shot." Jack Nicklaus was using

Accepted Answer

Jack Nicklaus was using imaging techniques, which involves creating a mental image of a desired outcome or goal. This technique is commonly used in sports psychology to help athletes visualize successful performance and enhance their confidence and focus.

Question 9

Which of the following would be LEAST helpful in improving athletic performance?

Accepted Answer

Changing one's routine before an athletic event can actually be detrimental as it can disrupt muscle memory and familiarity with equipment, environment, and timing. It is important to stick to a consistent routine to optimize athletic performance.

Question 10

Many of the mental strategies, such as imagery and relaxation, used by sports psychologists are an extension of __________ techniques.

Accepted Answer

The techniques used by sports psychologists such as imagery and relaxation are an extension of stress inoculation techniques. Stress inoculation is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves preparing individuals to handle stressors through techniques such as relaxation training and mental imagery. Therefore, the best choice is D.

Question 11

With respect to arousal level and athletic performance, which of the following statements is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

Using a varied routine before athletic performances may not be beneficial in regulating arousal levels as it may cause additional stress and anxiety. Maintaining a consistent routine before games or events may help athletes regulate their arousal levels better.

Question 12

Going through a fixed routine before each game or using imagery or relaxation techniques

Accepted Answer

Going through a fixed routine before each game or using imagery or relaxation techniques are used to adjust one's arousal level. By doing so, athletes can find the optimal level of arousal to perform their best.

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a way that athletes can mentally improve their performances?

Accepted Answer

Mentally rehearsing non-athletic tasks before a performance may not directly improve an athlete's performance, and may actually distract them from focusing on their athletic task at hand. The other options (avoidance of negative and self-critical thoughts, self-regulation strategies, and cognitive-behavioral strategies) are all proven methods for improving athletes' mental performances.

Question 14

The type of psychologists who helps design many of the tools we rely on each day, such as "user-friendly" computers, home appliances, digital cameras, airplane controls, and traffic signals are called __________ psychologists.

Accepted Answer

Human factors psychologists specialize in designing tools and technology that are easy and efficient for humans to use. They consider factors such as user ability, task requirements, and environmental conditions when designing these tools.

Question 15

Human factors psychology is also known as

Accepted Answer

Human factors psychology is also known as ergonomics, which refers to the study of designing tools and workplaces to fit the capabilities and limitations of human beings. A is incorrect because cybernetics refers to the study of how information is processed in various systems, not necessarily related to human factors. B is incorrect because heuristics refers to mental shortcuts or rules of thumb we use to make decisions, not necessarily related to human factors. D is incorrect because humanistics is not a term commonly used to refer to human factors psychology.

Question 16

Instead of berating herself for being behind in a match, a tennis player uses the time between points to savor a good shot or put an error out of her mind.This illustrates how this tennis player is using which of the following to guide her efforts?

Accepted Answer

The tennis player is using cognitive-behavioral strategies by focusing on positive thoughts and managing her mental state to improve performance.

Question 17

To avoid "choking" while he is putting, a golfer must try to

Accepted Answer

To avoid choking during putting, a golfer needs to decrease their arousal level, which can be achieved through relaxation techniques such as deep breaths, visualization, and positive self-talk. Focusing on previous errors may actually increase anxiety and lead to choking. Increasing arousal levels or depersonalization may not be effective in this situation.

Question 18

In order to improve their performances, a sprinter should increase which of the following while a gymnast should decrease hers?

Accepted Answer

A sprinter should increase their arousal level to optimize their performance, while a gymnast should decrease arousal level to achieve optimal performance. A high arousal level can lead to overexcitement and mistakes in gymnastics, while it can enhance speed and strength in sprinting.

Question 19

If you make machines and work environments compatible with human sensory and motor capacities, you are working in the specialty known as

Accepted Answer

Ergonomics is concerned with designing machines, tools, and work environments that are compatible with human sensory and motor capacities. This includes optimizing factors such as posture, lighting, sound, and temperature to promote comfort, safety, and productivity. Cybernetics and psychophysiology are related fields but not specifically focused on addressing human-machine compatibility. Humanistics is not a recognized field of study.

Question 20

Performance improvement by athletes can be achieved by all of the following EXCEPT by

Accepted Answer

Suspending self-regulation and not making any adjustments to their performances would not lead to performance improvement. All the other choices, A, C, and D, are valid ways for athletes to improve their performance.

Quiz 18: Applied Psychology.