The Pop Quiz below contains 3 questions from the following knowledge area of the CSCS exam. Failure to correctly answer questions may suggest an area that needs further review.

Exercise Sciences

J. Apply Knowledge of Psychological Techniques Used to Enhance Training and Performance

1. Motivational techniques (e.g., imagery techniques, reinforcement strategies)
2. Methods that enhance motor learning and skill acquisition (e.g., instruction, feedback, whole versus part practice)
3. Attentional control and decision-making (e.g., focus, arousal management)
4. Confidence and positive self-talk

When answering the questions, please choose the “Best” answer.

1. A college placekicker is lined up for a potential winning kick. As he prepares for the snap he experiences butterflies in his stomach and an increased heart rate. This is an example of?

 Augmented Feedback

 Cognitive Anxiety

 Somatic Anxiety

 Mental Imagery

Somatic anxiety is evidenced through physical symptoms such as tense muscles, fast heart rate, and an upset stomach. Mental imagery is a cognitive skill in which the athlete creates an experience in his or her mind. Augmented feedback is provided to the athlete by an observer.

2. You would instruct a 23 year old platform diver to use arousal enhancement techniques when she is performing which of the following?

 When she is performing an arm stand forward somersault dive

 When she is performing simple dives off the platform in practice

 When she is learning a new dive

 When she is competing in the Olympic trials

Athletes should employ arousal enhancement techniques when executing simple skills, ones that are well learned, or in situations of minimal pressure.

3. A high school basketball team demonstrated great hustle and focus during practice and the coach decided that there would be no full court sprints at the end of the session. This is an example of?

 Negative Reinforcement

 Positive Punishment

 Positive Reinforcement

 Negative Punishment

Negative reinforcement increases the probability of occurrence of a given operant through the removal of an act, object, or event that is typically aversive.

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