1. 6. Aggression and Motivation

2. Contents
Aggression Classifying Aggression Instinct Theory Social Learning Theory Frustration Aggression Hypothesis Aggressive-Cue Hypothesis Reducing Aggression Motivation Types of motivation Achievement Motivation Characteristics of NACH and NAF Encouraging NACH behaviour

3. Aggression
Behaviour which has an intention to harm and is outside the rules of the game
Aggression
Hostile
Instrumental
Assertion

4. Classifying aggression
May still be difficult to determine what constitutes aggression so further definitions have been created…
Hostile Aggression
Intention to harm and Outside of rules
emotional response to a performer or situation.
Sole purpose is to harm.
“Punching an opponent in Rugby League”
Instrumental Aggression
Intention to harm and Outside of rules
Means to another goal (Aggression is the instrument).
“Tackling with great force with intention of making them fear you.”
Assertion
Within the rules of the game
May involve the use of physical force
The way in which aggression is generally used in conversation
Ben Flower
O'Driscoll spear tackle
Aggression or Assertion?

5. Instinct Theory Inherited pre-disposition to be aggressive
Aggression builds up inside us and we require a positive outlet, such as a sporting activity to release it
Known as Catharsis
e.g. Having a bad week at work so put in an aggressive tackle in a match at the weekend.
Criticised for…
Doesn’t consider environment
Aggression often increases during sport rather than decreases
Different social groups experience different levels of aggression

6. Social Learning
Opposes the Instinct theory by suggesting that Aggression is a learned behaviour…
Copying the behaviour of significant others…
If an aggressive act is “successful” or reinforced then it is more likely to be copied
Socialisation…
Going against your social norms to fit in with the group
Linked to idea of Deindividualisation – where we behave differently when acting as one of a group

7. Frustration-Aggression Hypothesis
Key suggestion is that frustration always leads to aggression…
Release leads to Catharsis
Not released therefore leads to an increase in aggression
CATHARSIS
Released
Drive to a Goal
Obstacle
Frustration
Aggression
MORE Aggression
NOT Released

8. Aggressive-Cue Theory
Badminton
Builds on the Frustration Aggression hypothesis but corrects previous criticism…
Suggest that when frustration builds performer is ready for aggression rather than it being inevitable
Aggression will only occur if learned cues or triggers are present…
Aggression-related objects e.g. guns, boxing gloves and bats
Aggression-related sports e.g. rugby or boxing
Aggression-related people e.g. specific player, coach or fan
Aggression-related place e.g. hostile environment or a pitch where an incident has previously occurred

9. Controlling Aggression
Punishing aggressive behaviour
Individual
Peers discouraging
Coach/Managers
Substitutions
Fines
Player behaviour contract
NGBs
Code of conduct
Supporting referees
Reinforce assertive behaviour
Individual
Praise others
Coach/Managers
Praise and reward assertion
Show assertive role-models
NGBs
Fair play awards
Reducing/Controlling arousal
Individual
Mental Rehearsal
Channelling aggression
Coach/Managers
Avoid over arousing pre game
Focus on process as well as outcome
Avoid win at all costs ethic and knowing their plays
NGBs
Educate referees
Discuss with coaches
Avoiding aggressive situations
Individual
Learning to walk away
Marking another play if possible
Coach/Managers
Move player to another role
Ask player to take on responsibility
Substitute player
NGBs
Stagger derby matches, playing at neutral grounds

10. Motivation
A cause of behaviour which directs and sustains it towards a specific objective In sporting context normally to win, improve performance or reach a specific goal

11. Internal feeling or drive from within performer
Types of Motivation
Intrinsic
Internal feeling or drive from within performer
Enjoyment
Satisfaction or pride
Feeling of wellbeing
Extrinsic Rewards derived from outside the performer (Can be either Tangible or Intangible)
Prizes
Praise
Awards
Recognition
Money

12. Achievement Motivation
Competitiveness is a key factor for distinguishing sport from recreation
It has been suggested that in demanding situations performers exhibit either…
A Need to Achieve (NACH) Or
A Need to avoid Failure (NAF)
This displays the level of competitiveness shown by an individual

13. Characteristics of NACH and NAF
NACH Characteristic
NAF Characteristics
Shows ‘approach’ behaviour
Shows ‘avoidance’ behaviour
Seeks out challenges
Avoids challenge- prefers very easy or very hard tasks (guaranteed success or failure)
Is concerned with standards
Avoids situations where success is unknown and could be evaluated
Enjoys being evaluated
Performs worse while being evaluated
Not afraid to fail
Tends to be preoccupied with failure
Attributes performance to internal factors
Attributes performance to external factors
High task persistence
Lacks task persistence
Values feedback from others
Doesn’t value feedback

14. Encouraging NACH behaviour
Avoidance behaviour arises due to…
Lack of self confidence
High anxiety
Learned helplessness
Attributing failure internally
To generate NACH Approach behaviour…
Ensure success by setting achievable process goals
Steadily increase complexity of task
Raise confidence by giving positive reinforcement
Highlight successful role-models with comparable characteristics
Attribute internally for success- Ability or Effort