Glossary
Achievement goal theory (see also “ego orientation” and “task orientation”) A theory
that postulates two types of motivational orientations in athletes—namely, task
orientation and ego orientation—depending on how they interpret the meaning of
achievement or success.
Achievement motivation The tendency to strive for success or to expend effort and
display persistence in attempting to attain a desirable goal.
Aerobic exercise Physical activities that elevate heart rate and increase the ability of the
cardiovascular system to take up and use oxygen.
Anaerobic exercise Physical activities that are relatively high in intensity and short in
duration.
Anecdotal evidence Subjective evidence derived from examples or personal experience.
Anxiety An emotional state characterised by worry, feelings of apprehension and/or
bodily tension that tends to occur in the absence of real or obvious danger.
Arousal A diffuse pattern of alertness and physiological activation that prepares the body
for action.
Attention (see also “selective” and “divided” attention) The concentration of mental
effort on sensory or mental events.
Attribution The process of drawing inferences from, or seeking explanations for, events,
experiences and behaviour.
Attribution theory The study of people’s explanations for the causes of events or
behaviour in their lives.
Attributional style The characteristic manner in which people make sense of, or offer
similar explanations for, different events in their lives.
Autonomic nervous system (ANS) Part of the peripheral nervous system that regulates
the body’s involuntary muscles (e.g., the heart) and internal organs.
Biofeedback A technique that allows people to monitor and gain control over certain
bodily functions through the use of specialised equipment.
Bio-informational theory of imagery A theory that mental images are not “pictures in
the head” but consist of stimulus, response and meaning propositions.
Brainstorming The generation of ideas or suggestions by members of a group in an
effort to solve a problem.
Burnout A state of withdrawal from a valued activity that is usually caused by chronic
stress and accompanied by feelings of physical and mental exhaustion.
Case study A research method that involves “in-depth” description or detailed
examination of a single person or instance of a situation.