Now Hear This: Auditory Sense may be an Undervalued Component of Effective Modeling and Imagery Interventions in Sport

Jenny O,Barbi Law,Amanda Rymal

doi:10.2174/1874350101508010203

Abstract

One of the most important goals of behavioral research in sport psychology and motor learning is to increase our understanding of how to more effectively manipulate structural elements of psychological skills so as to optimize learning and performance. Imagery and modeling research have long-held parallel trajectories; advancements in the understanding of one construct has often informed subsequent research on the other. Preliminary research examining the effect of auditory modeling has indicated that deliberate manipulation of sounds employed during modeled actions can positively impact motor skill learning, performance, and consistency. The imagery research has yet to directly examine the auditory sense, and thus examination of this imagery component would represent a meaningful contribution to our understanding of how to further optimize athletes’ imagery practice. The current paper reviews current knowledge regarding effective imagery and modeling structure, and provides theoretical and evidence-based rationales for the examination of the auditory sense in imagery research.

Highlights

The primary goal for a developing competitive athlete is to improve his or her subjective skill level
Modeling is referred to in the sport psychology literature as observational learning; we believe that given the context of the current paper – a focus on the auditory sense, modeling is the more appropriate term, here
Given the identified similarities in brain activation while imaging and engaging in modeling [65,66,67,68], the noted parallelism between evidence-based imagery and modeling recommendations in sport [25, 48], and the lack of direct research on the effects of imagery interventions employing the auditory sense, imagery research examining the influence of the auditory sense on sport skill learning and performance is certainly warranted

Summary

Introduction

The primary goal for a developing competitive athlete is to improve his or her subjective skill level. A large body of research has examined the effectiveness of imagery in facilitating sport skill and strategy learning and performance [11,12,13] as well as positive psychological outcomes such as reductions in anxiety [14] and increases in motivation [15], self-efficacy [16], and confidence [17].

Results

Conclusion