Topic > Theories of environmental influences on sports performance

One theory that examines different environmental factors is social learning theory. This was created by Bandura and examines the type of impact the environment has on behavior. Bandura believed that characteristic traits do not affect behavior and depend on the environment in which they are found. This helps explain why some introverted athletes may display extroverted behavior. Artists who have the characteristics of being introverted may participate in sports such as football, which is typically a sport that an extrovert would choose due to its high levels of excitement. In Bandura's theory this is due to external factors such as family and friends who encouraged the athlete to practice this type of sport. Bandura believed that two main categories influence behavior. These are modeling and social reinforcement. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Modeling is when a behavior is copied from those around them. It also helps explain unusual behavior, especially at high arousal levels. An example of this would be yelling and screaming at the crowd after scoring a goal. This is not behavior expected of an introvert, however if the athlete has seen this pattern of numerous football players on television, then the athlete is more likely to behave this way. The second impact on behavior is social reinforcement. This explores how others' responses to your behavior can influence how regularly you behave in a specific way. It is often positive reinforcement that has the greatest impact, as if you receive a positive response to the behavior you are more likely to complete it again. An example would be football diving. If an athlete dives during a football game and receives a penalty, they have not only earned the penalty, but also positive reinforcement from both the coach and teammates. The athlete is then more likely to repeat that behavior. Bandura also advised people who are looking to train athletes and artists. He believed there were four steps to help change behavior. In sport these changes can also contribute to changing sporting performance. The first phase is called modeling. When a performer copies the behavior of another athlete, this is known as modeling. If they are successful and dominant, they are likely to catch someone's attention, as if a gymnast demonstrated a skill that they are able to copy and take technique from the demonstration. An example of this is when a young soccer player watches Ronaldo complete an overhead kick. Due to the high publicity, Ronaldo is seen as a role model and the young sportsman would copy his behavior. The second phase is retention; this is when the behavior or skill is in your memory, this is effective in sports such as a tennis player as he will watch his opponent from previous matches and observe how he performs. If an action is not memorable there will be a serious lack of motivation and loyalty. This is important during sports and affects performance. The third theory of social learning is motor reproduction, which is when a sports performer repeats and practices skills, as in golf, by practicing hitting the ball with power and speed. They observe, then they practice, and then they learn to perform it. This is important during sports performance as actions and skills must be habitual to ensure performance is elevated during high levels of arousal. Motor theory is the final theory of.