Module JXH-3033:
Research in Psychological Skills

Module Facts

Run by School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences

10.000 Credits or 5.000 ECTS Credits

Semester 2

Organiser: Dr James Hardy

Overall aims and purpose

Mental skills interventions have become a staple way for applied sport psychologists (i.e., practitioners) to aid performers. In fact, they can bring about multiple outcomes/benefits for their clients. Over the years research conducted at Bangor University has been influential in shaping applied sport psychologist's practice. In this module you will gain a critical appreciation for the contemporary research literature primarily surrounding self-talk and imagery. This is important because it will enable you to have a firm foundation to provide evidence-based mental skills, and hopefully more effective, interventions. Consequently students will gain a greater appreciation of the techniques that applied practitioners employ on a daily basis and, in turn, facilitate their own forward looking employability related options and choices.

Course content

Being an evidence-based practitioner is key to providing an effective service to clients / performers. Furthermore, as a scientific discipline, psychology is underpinned by theory. Based on the adage that there is "nothing as practical as a good theory", this module will place emphasis on relevant theories and research based literature pertinent to the following topics:

  • Information processing differences
  • Self-talk
  • Imagery

Of note, while research is covered throughout the module, it is discussed from the perspective of "so how is this helpful for performers?" with students fully involved in getting a practical insight in to mental skills interventions.

Assessment Criteria

excellent

Will have demonstrated an excellent ability to analyse and interpret case study data. Will also have an excellent and critical understanding of theories covered within the module as well as a strong ability to develop evidence-based psychological interventions. Excellent communication / presentation skills demonstrated.

good

Will have demonstrated a good ability to analyse and interpret case study data. Will also have a good and perhaps glimpses of critical understanding of theories covered within the module as well as a good ability to develop evidence-based psychological interventions. Good communication / presentation skills demonstrated.

threshold

Will have demonstrated a some ability to analyse and interpret case study data. Will also have some understanding of theories covered within the module as well as some ability to develop evidence-based psychological interventions. Reasonable communication / presentation skills demonstrated.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate prolonged, active and critical engagement with module material

  2. Understanding and critical application of contemporary mental skills literature

  3. Devise an effective and justifiable psychological skills intervention programme

Assessment Methods

Type Name Description Weight
CASE STUDY Intervention Poster

Based within a sport of your choice, you will to need to work within a specific scenario (e.g., aid competitive performance) elaborating on your client's/athlete's needs assessment and then develop a bespoke mental skills intervention.

 80.00
CLASS PARTICIPATION Critical Engagement

Via the submission of a portfolio you will demonstrate your engagement in seminar and practical sessions

 20.00

Teaching and Learning Strategy

Hours
Lecture

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminar, tutorials, and workshops.

 20
Practical classes and workshops

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminar, tutorials, and workshops

 4
Seminar

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminar, tutorials, and workshops

 4
Private study

This course will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminar, tutorials, and workshops

 72

Transferable skills

  • Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
  • Critical analysis & Problem Solving - Able to deconstruct and analyse problems or complex situations. To find solutions to problems through analyses and exploration of all possibilities using appropriate methods, rescources and creativity.
  • Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
  • Teamwork - Able to constructively cooperate with others on a common task, and/or be part of a day-to-day working team

Subject specific skills

  • demonstrate effective written and/or oral communication and presentation skills
  • work effectively independently and with others
  • accurately interpret case study data
  • develop justifiable and/or evidence-based interventions
  • develop effective learning aids

Resources

Courses including this module

Compulsory in courses:

Optional in courses: