Deck 13: Using Imagery As a Mental Training Tool in Sport

Question 1

Using an internal imagery perspective is more useful than an external perspective for novice performers.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Elite compared to less elite athletes benefit more from switching these two imagery techniques:

A) external and visual
B) internal and proprioceptive
C) internal and external
D) auditory and visual

Answer 2

internal and external

Question 3

One of the purposes of basic training in imagery is to evaluate imagery ability.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Sue realizes that she performs poorly on tests because she gets so anxious that she loses confidence. She wants to improve her test taking and for weeks before her next test she imagines sitting down to take the test while remaining calm, in control, and totally confident. The preceding is an example of:

A) effective meditation
B) an ideal self-image exercise
C) using positive affirmation statements
D) practicing muscle relaxation

Question 5

Basic imagery training involves training in:

A) controllability and vividness
B) relaxation and awareness
C) relaxation and controllability
D) controllability and relaxation
E) vividness and relaxation

Question 6

One appropriate time to practice imagery is as a post-performance review.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a use of imagery?

A) improving concentration
B) reduce the amount of physical practice time
C) building confidence
D) control emotional responses
E) cope with pain and injury

Question 8

Which of the following is accurate regarding the ways in which imagery could negatively affect performance?

A) creating the right image at the wrong time typically does not affect performance
B) using imagery to suppress or avoid thinking about performances or tasks makes it more likely these debilitative images will negatively impact performance
C) all of these answers are accurate
D) athletes should program themselves not to see or create certain images

Question 9

Mentally practicing a performance skill influences performance somewhat better than no practice at all.

Question 10

When we say that imagery is a "polysensory experience", we mean that:

A) an image must be vivid
B) an image must control all the senses
C) an effective image incorporates as many of the different sense modalities as possible
D) an image must be practiced many times before it is effective

Question 11

An athlete tries to image shooting free throws under pressure, but the ball keeps hitting the rim and bouncing off. This is an example of lack of:

A) coordination
B) relaxation
C) controllability
D) awareness
E) vividness

Question 12

Imaging incorrect performance can lead to poorer actual performance than had someone not imaged at all.

Question 13

Which of the following statements is(are)TRUE?

A) imagery can't help performance, only hard physical practice can
B) imagery can make an average athlete great
C) imagery is more useful than physical practice in improving technical skills
D) imagery can improve performance if done systematically

Question 14

To enhance the functional equivalence of an image, performers should avoid which of the following?

A) Appropriately use real time, slow motion and fast motion imagery
B) Use verbal triggers to strengthen the mental representation of sport skills
C) Practice in a quiet location away from the sport setting and wearing comfortable, non-athletic gear
D) Load images with vivid behavioral, psychological and physiological responses

Question 15

An optimal time to use imagery is:

A) before and after competition
B) any of these times are "optimal" for imagery use
C) before and after practice
D) during breaks in the action

Question 16

Which of the following statements is/are TRUE?

A) all of these statements are accurate
B) you should image correcting mistakes
C) you should image recovering from an injury
D) you should image learning new skills

Question 17

Bioinformational theory states that mental image is an organized set of characteristics stored in the brain's long term memory. The characteristics which activate the content of the image are:

A) stimulus characteristics
B) response characteristics
C) operant characteristics
D) contextual characteristics

Question 18

What would be an effective example of using imagery as an injured athlete?

A) attend training sessions and imagine themselves completing drills and workouts
B) all of these examples would be useful for ways of implementing imagery as an injured athlete
C) imagine accomplishing challenging rehabilitation goals
D) imagine themselves fully recovered and better than prior to the injury

Question 19

Although it has been shown in research that imagery can aid in skill acquisition, there has been no evidence to support that imagery can help athletes become mentally ready for competition (attention, arousal and confidence).

Question 20

A performer's imagery abilities can be strengthened through a basic training imagery program that uses exercises to develop each of the following except for:

A) mental blueprints
B) self-awareness
C) controllability
D) vividness