What IsImagery?

Equivalent terms include visualization, mental rehearsal, mental practice.

Imagery involves creating or recreating an experience in your mind.

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What IsImagery?

A form of simulation that involves recalling from memory pieces of information stored from experience, and shaping these pieces into meaningful images.

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What IsImagery?

Imagery involves all the senses: visual, kinesthetic, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory.

Imagery involves moods and emotions.

Types of Imagery

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Internal imagery

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External imagery

VividnessUse all the senses to make images as vivid and detailed as possible.Exercise:

Keys to Effective Imagery

ControllabilityLearn to manipulate your images so they do what you want them to.Exercise:

Keys to Effective Imagery

Uses of Imagery Improve concentrationRelaxation Build confidence Control emotional responses - coping

Acquire and practice physical sport skillsControl pain Solve problems Acquire and practice strategy

Does Imagery Work?Jack Nicklaus, Olympic athletes and coaches

Anecdotal reports:

Case studies: myself

VMBR investigations with skiers and karate performers

Multiple-baseline case studies:

Many supportive experiments; 200+Experimental evidence:

However, imagery effectiveness depends on a number of factors.

Factors in Effectiveness of Imagery

Nature of the task:

Skill level of the performer:

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Factors in Effectiveness of Imagery

Imaging ability:

Combination with practice:

Developing an Imagery Training Program

Tailor imagery programs to an athlete’s individual needs, abilities, and interests.

The first step in developing an imagery program is evaluating the athlete’s imagery skills.

Imagery must be practiced...should be built into an athlete’s daily routine.

Developing an Imagery Training Program

Proper settingRelaxed concentrationRealistic expectations; sufficient motivation

Vivid and controllable imagesPositive focus

Imagery guidelines:

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Developing an Imagery Training Program

Imagery guidelines:Use Videotapes; create them of yourself or use expert

models

Imagining execution and outcome

Imagining in real time

When to Use ImageryBefore and after practiceBefore and after competitionDuring breaks in action (in practice and competition)

During personal timeWhen recovering from injuryImmediate correction of technical or mental mistakes (e.g., golf swing)

How Imagery Works:Five Theories

Psychoneuromuscular theory

Symbolic learning theoryPsychological skills

hypothesisBioinformational theory

Triple code model

Theory 1

Imagery programs muscles for action.

How Imagery Works

Psychoneuromuscular Theory

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Theory 2

Imagery helps us understand movement

patterns.

How Imagery Works

Symbolic Learning Theory

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Theory 3

Imagery ---> other mental skills

How Imagery WorksPsychological Skills

Hypothesis: Attentional Arousal

Set

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Theory 4

Images are made of stimulus and response

propositions.

How Imagery Works

BioinformationalTheory

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Theory 5

Imagery comprises the image, somatic response, and image meaning.

How Imagery Works

Triple CodeModel

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Future of Imagery

Neuroscience and imagingJournal of Imagery Research in Sport and Physical Activity http://www.bepress.com/jirspa/Journal of Mental Imageryhttp://www.journalofmentalimagery.com/index.html

Other applications and directions?