Sports Psychology MCQs

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman | Last updated: June 2, 2025

1. : What is the primary focus of sports psychology?
(A) Physical conditioning
(B) Mental processes in sports
(C) Nutritional needs
(D) Team dynamics

2. : Which psychological skill is essential for managing anxiety in athletes?
(A) Visualization
(B) Strength training
(C) Endurance
(D) Agility

3. : What does the term “self-efficacy” refer to in sports psychology?
(A) Belief in one’s ability to succeed
(B) Level of fitness
(C) Type of sport chosen
(D) Amount of practice time

4. : Which theory emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation in sports?
(A) Behaviorist theory
(B) Self-Determination Theory
(C) Cognitive Dissonance Theory
(D) Reinforcement Theory

5. : What is the role of goal setting in sports psychology?
(A) To increase anxiety
(B) To enhance performance and motivation
(C) To limit creativity
(D) To promote competition

6. : Which of the following is an example of a mental imagery technique?
(A) Running drills
(B) Visualizing a successful performance
(C) Lifting weights
(D) Stretching

7. : What does the term “flow” refer to in sports psychology?
(A) Physical fatigue
(B) A state of optimal experience and performance
(C) Increased anxiety levels
(D) A type of training program

8. : Which psychological concept helps athletes cope with pressure during competition?
(A) Overtraining
(B) Mindfulness
(C) Fatigue
(D) Resistance

9. : What is the primary function of a sports psychologist?
(A) Develop physical training programs
(B) Help athletes improve mental skills and well-being
(C) Analyze game strategies
(D) Manage nutrition plans

10. : Which psychological strategy involves focusing attention on the present moment?
(A) Goal setting
(B) Visualization
(C) Mindfulness
(D) Self-talk

11. : What is the concept of “competitive anxiety”?
(A) Positive excitement before competition
(B) Stress related to performance expectations
(C) Disinterest in competition
(D) Relaxation during performance

12. : What type of motivation comes from within an athlete?
(A) Extrinsic motivation
(B) Intrinsic motivation
(C) Environmental motivation
(D) Situational motivation

13. : Which of the following can negatively impact an athlete’s performance?
(A) Positive self-talk
(B) High levels of stress
(C) Proper nutrition
(D) Effective goal setting

14. : What is the primary purpose of mental rehearsal in sports?
(A) To reduce fatigue
(B) To prepare mentally for competition
(C) To enhance physical strength
(D) To improve teamwork

15. : What does “self-talk” refer to in sports psychology?
(A) Talking to teammates
(B) Internal dialogue influencing performance
(C) Coaching strategies
(D) Communicating with officials

16. : Which term describes the ability to maintain focus and control during competition?
(A) Concentration
(B) Fatigue
(C) Relaxation
(D) Agility

17. : What is the purpose of relaxation techniques in sports psychology?
(A) To increase competition stress
(B) To reduce anxiety and improve focus
(C) To promote physical activity
(D) To enhance aggression

18. : What is the primary benefit of using positive reinforcement in sports training?
(A) Decreases motivation
(B) Increases self-doubt
(C) Enhances motivation and behavior
(D) Causes confusion

19. : What does “mental toughness” refer to in athletes?
(A) Ability to endure physical pain
(B) Resilience in facing challenges and setbacks
(C) Lack of emotional expression
(D) Strength in lifting weights

20. : Which factor is NOT typically associated with an athlete’s performance?
(A) Physical ability
(B) Mental preparation
(C) Environmental conditions
(D) Shoe color

21. : What is the purpose of biofeedback in sports psychology?
(A) To enhance physical conditioning
(B) To provide athletes with information on physiological functions
(C) To assess competition rules
(D) To measure team performance

22. : Which psychological concept emphasizes the importance of self-regulation in athletes?
(A) Intrinsic motivation
(B) Self-determination
(C) Emotional intelligence
(D) Performance anxiety

23. : What is the effect of visualization on athletic performance?
(A) Decreases motivation
(B) Improves confidence and focus
(C) Causes distraction
(D) Increases physical fatigue

24. : Which type of goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound?
(A) General goals
(B) Performance goals
(C) SMART goals
(D) Outcome goals

25. : What does the “Yerkes-Dodson Law” suggest about arousal and performance?
(A) Higher arousal always improves performance
(B) Moderate arousal leads to optimal performance
(C) Low arousal is always beneficial
(D) Arousal has no impact on performance

26. : What is the term for the psychological process of coping with stressors in sports?
(A) Adaptation
(B) Resilience
(C) Adjustment
(D) Overcoming

27. : Which technique is used to manage anxiety and increase focus during competition?
(A) Goal setting
(B) Deep breathing
(C) Stretching
(D) Endurance training

28. : What is the relationship between team cohesion and performance?
(A) Negative correlation
(B) No correlation
(C) Positive correlation
(D) Inverse correlation

29. : What is the primary focus of cognitive-behavioral therapy in sports psychology?
(A) Strength training
(B) Changing negative thought patterns
(C) Enhancing physical performance
(D) Improving nutrition

30. : What role does stress play in athletic performance?
(A) Always detrimental
(B) Can be both beneficial and detrimental
(C) Has no effect
(D) Always beneficial

31. : What is the primary focus of imagery training in sports?
(A) Enhancing physical conditioning
(B) Improving motor skills and performance
(C) Analyzing competition strategies
(D) Reducing competition stress

32. : Which psychological factor is most likely to enhance performance in high-pressure situations?
(A) Low self-esteem
(B) High self-efficacy
(C) Performance anxiety
(D) Negative self-talk

33. : What is the primary benefit of engaging in team-building activities?
(A) Reduces skill level
(B) Enhances team cohesion and communication
(C) Increases competition
(D) Limits practice time

34. : Which aspect of sports psychology focuses on understanding athlete behavior?
(A) Mental preparation
(B) Behavioral psychology
(C) Physical training
(D) Nutrition

35. : What is the main goal of using self-reflection in sports psychology?
(A) To increase pressure
(B) To evaluate and improve performance
(C) To distract from competition
(D) To analyze opponent strategies

36. : What is the primary reason athletes use positive self-talk?
(A) To increase anxiety
(B) To boost confidence and focus
(C) To create distractions
(D) To discourage teammates

37. : Which psychological principle is often used to enhance performance in individual sports?
(A) Social facilitation
(B) Competitive anxiety
(C) Intrinsic motivation
(D) Group dynamics

38. : What is the primary role of rituals in sports?
(A) To decrease performance
(B) To create anxiety
(C) To enhance focus and routine
(D) To limit creativity

39. : What is the term for a setback in an athlete’s performance due to psychological factors?
(A) Burnout
(B) Regression
(C) Performance slump
(D) Overtraining

40. : Which technique is used to enhance an athlete’s focus and concentration?
(A) Visualization
(B) Endurance training
(C) Stretching
(D) Strength training