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1. Engagement in Mindfulness Exercises during Large Lectures and Students' Writing Self-Efficacy

Author

Drewery, David W., Westlund Stewart, Nicole, and Wilson, A. Wade

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between greater engagement (i.e., number of times participated) in mindfulness exercises administered in large university lectures and students' writing self-efficacy. For eight weeks, a breathing exercise was administered to students in one lecture section, and a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercise was administered to students in another lecture section of the same course. Participants (n = 147) completed measures of writing self-efficacy before (T1) and after (T2) the eight-week exercise period. Engagement was greater in the breathing exercise than in the PMR exercise (p < 0.05). Writing self-efficacy was marginally greater (p = 0.08) at T2 for those administered the breathing exercise than for those administered the PMR exercise. Correlational analyses further showed that engagement in the breathing exercise was associated with writing self-efficacy at T2 (p < 0.01), but engagement in the PMR exercise was not (p = 0.21). We conclude with implications for course instructors using mindfulness exercises to enhance desirable writing outcomes.

Published
2022

2. The Effects of Cognitive General Imagery Use on Tactical Decision-Making in Curling

Author

Westlund Stewart, Nicole

Subjects
cognitive general imagery, Other Psychology, curling, imagery training, strategy, tactical decision-making, sport psychology
Abstract

The general purpose of this dissertation was to determine the effects of cognitive general (CG; images of game plans and strategies) imagery use on tactical decision-making in curling. This dissertation is divided into four studies. Study 1 outlines the two-stage development of the Curling Strategy Assessment Tool (CSAT-2), a computerized measure of curlers’ tactical decision-making (i.e., response accuracy and response speed). During Phase 1, 123 curlers evaluated 75 curling scenarios via an online survey. Twenty-one scenarios showed acceptable interrater agreement for a correct shot option. Pilot testing of the original version of the CSAT indicated that modifications were needed to incorporate strategy style. Thus, Phase 2 was conducted to have 93 updated scenarios assessed by three expert raters (i.e., national-level curling coaches). This process resulted in 104 scenarios that could be used to assess tactical decision-making in curlers undergoing CG imagery interventions using the CSAT-2. Study 2 consisted of a six-week CG imagery intervention aimed at improving the tactical decision-making abilities of varsity curlers. CSAT data indicated that curlers’ response time improved from baseline to post-intervention (p < .05). Study 3 examined the effects of an eight-week CG imagery training program on the tactical decision-making abilities of non-elite curlers using a single-subject multiple-baseline design. One curler improved her response accuracy and two curlers decreased their response time following the intervention. In order to gain a greater understanding of CG imagery use, Study 4 sought to determine how CG imagery is employed in curling using focus groups. Results revealed that skips use CG imagery to fulfill both cognitive and motivational functions, depending on the situation. Overall, this dissertation supports the use of CG imagery to improve tactical decision-making and the use of the CSAT to assess tactical decision-making abilities in curlers. From a practical standpoint, CG imagery training could help improve curlers’ tactical decision-making abilities.

Published
2016

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