1. 3 Interactionist theory.notebook August 19, 2009
Sport Psychology
In this lesson we will look at the Interactionist theory which suggests that our
personalities are a combination of inherited traits interacting with a person's
current situation.
By the end of this session you should be able to:
• Outline the interactionist approach
• Apply the interactionist approach to sporting situations
• Explain its limitations
Aug 14­11:46
Structure of Personality (Hollander, 1971)
Hollander sub­divided personality into three separate but inter­related levels:
• Psychological core
• Typical responses
• Role­related behaviours
Draw the diagram, p112 and, using your own words, label it clearly.
Now consider each of the levels and your own performance/classroom
behaviour. How do you think Hollander's model explains your behaviour?
Add your thoughts to the diagram.
Aug 17­11:19
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2. 3 Interactionist theory.notebook August 19, 2009
Interactionist theories
If your personality is a mixture of inherited traits and a person's current situation
then, if situational factors are strong (e.g. event finals) then these factors may be
more influential on behaviour than personality. However, if the situational factors
are not strong (e.g. friendly match) personality is more likely to control behaviour
Use Lewin's formula (1973):
B=f(PE), where:
• B = behaviour
• f = function
• P = personality
• E = environment
to explain your behaviour in a range of events.
Oct 20­16:16
Interactionist theories
For each of the events you identified try to explain how your coach could have
used the interactionist approach to improve your performance.
Aug 19­14:14
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3. 3 Interactionist theory.notebook August 19, 2009
Interactionist Theory
Now we go back to the court room.
This time you should explain how you would you use Interactionist theory to
explain why Harlequin players, coaches, doctors and managers may have
acted as they did?
When you have written both defence strategies you should compare and
contrast them:
• Firstly explain why each was useful for the defence.
• Then explain why the prosecution may have found it too easy to argue
against you.
• Finally write up an evaluation of both trait and interactionist theories.
Aug 18­14:27
Personality Plenary
Firstly make sure you have completed all of this weeks tasks properly. You will
need to have comprehensive notes to be able to answer exam questions!
This piece of homework aims to show you how personality affects performance
and how application of theory can be used to change performance behaviours
and even to predict sport choice and performance.
This will enable you to tackle any exam question on personality with confidence
and will introduce you to many of the concepts we will be covering over the
next 7 weeks. So please complete it thoroughly and fully consider all aspects of
the test you are about to look at.
Aug 19­14:16
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4. 3 Interactionist theory.notebook August 19, 2009
Research Project: Log on to http://www.sportsconfidence.biz
The site is quite interesting so why not have a good look around whilst
you are there.
Complete SPQ for yourself.
Read article on Tiger Woods SPQ
Now complete the SPQ as for a low achiever.
Use 3 sets of results to evaluate its usefulness in performance
behaviour.
Aug 19­14:21
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