Experienced practitioners' use of observation in applied sport psychology.

Abstract

Within applied sport psychology, a relative paucity of information exists on the use of observation. The present study investigated experienced consultants’ perceptions of observing within their applied practice. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 9 applied sport psychologists. Thematic analysis identified the following themes: why practitioners observe, methods through which practitioners observe, and perceived challenges of observation. The study provides a valuable insight into the bespoke application of observation and serves to maximize the benefits of this flexible and adaptable tool. However, the need for an enhanced evidence base to underpin training in observation is required for the enhancement of sport psychology practitioners.

The Effectiveness of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) on Shooters’ Mental Skills and Shooting Performance

“…Another finding of this study showed that NLP techniques have improved and raised performance of the shooters and helped them to achieve their optimal performance, especially in under pressure conditions of the competitions. This finding is consistent with studies that assess the effectiveness of NLP techniques on assuming developing athletes' ability of self-assess, becoming fully aware of their sports activity, maintaining focus on their task, reducing anxiety (39), maintaining mental fitness, tolerating pressure in under pressure conditions of the competition, managing the sports performance (40), making quick changes in their behavior by themselves and achieving the desired performance by choosing the best way to communicate with the sports discipline at the national and international levels (6,11), and improving motivation, achieving educational results, and developing creative thinking (13).…”

More than carrying a bag? The role of the caddie in facilitating a golfer’s psychological performance.

“…In comparison to applied sport psychology, evidence-based practice is what guides practitioner work, allows them to make informed decisions, and conceptualize their client’s needs (Martindale & Collins, 2005; Winter & Collins, 2015a). On the other hand, Holder and Winter (2017) discussed that given the multifaceted and dynamic environment that the sporting world presents, a practice-based knowledge may also be advantageous because it can provide practitioners with the opportunity to learn in a wide range of situations, as opposed to the more fixed and focused nature of evidence-based knowledge development (e.g., qualification/course/curriculum; Ivarsson & Andersen, 2016; Winter & Collins, 2015b). In the case of the caddie, this could explain how it has become the norm to use practice-based knowledge.…”

Seeing Double? A Practice-Based Investigation Into Twins Experiences of Sporting Talent Development

“…The recording template was then used to inform elements of the interview process with parents and siblings, as participants were provided with observed scenarios and asked to interpret them. In support of this perspective, Holder and Winter (2017) found that observations were adjunct to other assessment tools, such as interviews (i.e., for triangulation purposes), with Whyte (1984) suggesting observations can inform interviews, increase relevance, and allow participants to interpret events. Observations were collated from three coaches (the corresponding author, an advanced practitioner coach, and an ex-international coach) who regularly worked together as a team at the centre.…”