Personality and Attitudes

    AQA
    A-Level

    Candidates must critically evaluate the relationship between personality profiles and sporting performance, specifically contrasting Trait Theory, Social Learning Theory, and the Interactionist perspective (Hollander). Analysis must extend to the Triadic Model of attitudes (Cognitive, Affective, Behavioural) and the mechanisms for attitude modification, including Cognitive Dissonance and Persuasive Communication theory. Responses are expected to apply these psychological constructs to predict behaviour in competitive environments and justify intervention strategies for coaching.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    4
    Key Terms
    5
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award AO1 marks for accurate definitions of the Triadic Model components: Cognitive (beliefs), Affective (emotions), and Behavioural (actions).
    • Credit the explicit application of Lewin’s formula B = f(P x E) to explain inconsistent behaviour in sporting contexts.
    • Candidates must distinguish between Trait Theory (innate/stable) and Social Learning Theory (observed/copied) when explaining aggression or motivation.
    • For high-band AO3, responses must evaluate the limitations of personality profiling, citing lack of ecological validity or the ambiguous link between personality type and sporting success.
    • Credit accurate use of Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance theory: creating conflict between the triadic components to alter negative attitudes.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have defined the theory accurately (AO1), but you must apply it to the specific scenario of the struggling swimmer (AO2)."
    • "Avoid generic statements like 'it changes their mind'; use technical terms like 'creating cognitive dissonance' or 'challenging the cognitive component'."
    • "Your evaluation of Trait Theory is limited; consider discussing why it fails to predict behaviour in different environmental situations."
    • "Ensure you explicitly link the status of the persuader to the success of Persuasive Communication in your response."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award AO1 marks for accurate definitions of the Triadic Model components: Cognitive (beliefs), Affective (emotions), and Behavioural (actions).
    • Credit the explicit application of Lewin’s formula B = f(P x E) to explain inconsistent behaviour in sporting contexts.
    • Candidates must distinguish between Trait Theory (innate/stable) and Social Learning Theory (observed/copied) when explaining aggression or motivation.
    • For high-band AO3, responses must evaluate the limitations of personality profiling, citing lack of ecological validity or the ambiguous link between personality type and sporting success.
    • Credit accurate use of Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance theory: creating conflict between the triadic components to alter negative attitudes.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When discussing the Interactionist approach, explicitly state that behaviour is a function of personality multiplied by environment.
    • 💡In 8 or 15-mark essays, ensure a balance of AO1 (theory description), AO2 (application to a specific athlete/scenario), and AO3 (critique of the theory's validity).
    • 💡Use the acronym 'CAB' (Cognitive, Affective, Behavioural) to structure responses regarding the Triadic Model.
    • 💡Differentiate clearly between 'personality' (stable traits) and 'attitude' (unstable, directed towards an attitude object).

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the Interactionist perspective with Social Learning Theory; failing to acknowledge the 'trait' component in the former.
    • Describing 'Persuasive Communication' generically without referencing the status of the messenger or the quality of the message.
    • Stating that 'extroverts are better at sport' without qualifying the statement regarding arousal levels and the specific demands of the sport (e.g., gross vs. fine skills).
    • Failing to provide a specific sporting example when the question command is 'Apply' or 'Explain using an example'.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Personality Theories: Trait, Social Learning, Interactionist (Hollander's Rings)
    The Triadic Model of Attitudes (Cognitive, Affective, Behavioural)
    Attitude Modification: Cognitive Dissonance and Persuasive Communication
    Morgan's Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Iceberg Profile

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    Analyse
    Evaluate
    Discuss
    Explain
    Identify

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