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Date November 2017 Marks available 2 Reference code 17N.3.SL.tz0.8
Level Standard Level Paper Paper 3 Time zone time zone 0
Command term Discuss Question number 8 Adapted from N/A

Question

State one symptom of a sportsperson’s somatic anxiety. 

[1]
a.

Discuss how emotions experienced during sports competition can influence performance.

[2]
b.

Markscheme

increased muscle tension ✔

having “butterflies” ✔

having a headache ✔

having a racing heart ✔

dry mouth and sweating ✔

a.

positive emotions such as excitement/ relief/ pride can affect attentional focus and improve performance as they motivate the performer to keep working hard ✔

For example:
an athlete at the Olympics watching a fellow athlete perform well may provide a sense of pride which encourages the performer to try and emulate this ✔

negative emotions such as anger/guilt/shame/anxiety/boredom can result in de-motivation and reduce performance/ can result in a positive change in performance due to motivating the performer to change ✔

For example:
a performer who gets angry during an event may find that their focus is distracted and misses what the opposition is doing to win ✔

b.

Examiners report

A well understood area.

a.

Many answered this well but some were unable to specify specific emotions and wrote in very general terms. Candidates need to recognise when the question uses a high-level command term and requires a more in-depth response.

b.

Syllabus sections

Option B: Psychology of sports » B.3. Mental preparation for sports » B.3.4. Discuss the emotions that may influence an athlete’s performance or experience in a physical activity.
Option B: Psychology of sports » B.3. Mental preparation for sports
Option B: Psychology of sports

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