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EnglandPhysical Education

Psychology of sport and physical activity (Component 1)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do arousal, anxiety and motivation affect performance, and how can a performer control them?

Arousal and the inverted-U theory, the optimal level of arousal for different tasks, the effect of anxiety on performance, methods of controlling arousal and stress, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on arousal, anxiety and motivation: arousal and the inverted-U theory, the optimal arousal level for different tasks, the effect of anxiety, methods of controlling arousal and stress, and intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation.
11 min answer →

How can setting the right goals improve a performer's training, motivation and confidence?

The use of goal setting to improve and optimise performance: the SMART principle, the difference between outcome and performance goals, short-term and long-term goals, and the benefits of setting and reviewing goals.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on goal setting: why performers set goals, the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound), outcome versus performance goals, short-term versus long-term goals, and how good goal setting raises motivation and confidence.
10 min answer →

How do coaches guide learners and give feedback, and which type suits a beginner?

The types of guidance (visual, verbal, manual and mechanical) and their advantages and disadvantages, and the types of feedback (intrinsic and extrinsic, knowledge of results and knowledge of performance, positive and negative), and how each suits different performers.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on guidance and feedback: the four types of guidance (visual, verbal, manual, mechanical) with their pros and cons, the types of feedback (intrinsic and extrinsic, knowledge of results and performance, positive and negative), and which suit a beginner versus an expert.
11 min answer →

How do we classify sporting skills, and how does that decide the best way to practise them?

The classification of skills on continua (simple to complex, open to closed and others), the characteristics of each type, the types of practice (massed, distributed, fixed and variable), and how classification is used to choose the best practice for a skill.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on skill classification and practice: the simple-to-complex and open-to-closed continua (and others), the characteristics of each type, the four types of practice (massed, distributed, fixed, variable), and how classification chooses the best practice.
11 min answer →