| In the sports psychology literature, goal setting intervention studies have been a popular area of research the last ten years (Burton, 2001). Previous research demonstrates that goal setting is the most consistent and effective performance enhancement strategy in the behavioral sciences and seems to have a positive impact on performance (Burton et al., 2003; Locke & Latham, 1990). A "roadmap" detailing how to implement a periodized goal-setting program was developed, and its effectiveness was assessed using a quasi-experimental, multiple baseline case study design. Participants were six female members of a collegiate tennis team in the Northwest who ranged in age between 18--22 years. Several instruments were used to assess the effectiveness of the goal setting intervention, including: the Sports Motivation Scale (SMS), Task and Ego Orientation Sports Questionnaire (TEOSQ), Theories of Talent Scale (TOTS), Athletic Coping Skills Inventory (ACSI-28), Trait Sport Confidence Inventory (TSCI), and the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). All of these instruments have been documented to possess solid psychometric properties. Goal term length was periodized into three duration increments, including: long-term (macro), short-term (micro), and intermediate-term (meso) goals. Intervention effectiveness was assessed using both quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess self-confidence and performance.; A review of qualitative data provided the strongest support for the generally large positive impact of goal-setting on athletes' self-confidence and performance. Every athlete reported that goal-setting was extremely helpful for increasing their understanding of the game, becoming more motivated to practice and compete, enhancing their self-confidence, focus and concentration, and boosting their performance. Overall, these results point out the effectiveness of goal-setting as a strategy to increase self-confidence and enhance performance, but they suggest that effective goal-setting programs nurture the process by spending significant individual time teaching athletes to set and adjust goals. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
