KIN-10 Lecture 6: Introduction to Kinesiology 6
Introduction to Kinesiology
Notes
Joseph Yang
Anecdotal Reports (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990)
Asked if there are common pleasurable experiences in a variety of physical activities?
Asked if common elements that produce theses experiences?
Asked if occur in other activities
○ Interviewed rock climbers, chess players, dancers, musicians, basket ball players
■ Identified the term FLOW EXPERIENCE
● An autotelic feeling where the participant feels totally incolced in the
activity ( do the activity for the sheer joy)
Flow is attained when participants perceived skills are equal to the demands or challenges or the
task and the following conditions are present:
○ 1. Complete absorption in the activity – so involved nothing else matters
○ 2. Merging of action and awareness- totally involved in the task (don’t have to think
about it- it just happens)
○ 3. Have a sense of control over actions and environment
○ 4. Attention is centered and focused on only a few important details
○ 5. There is a loss of ego(self-consciousness) where there is no concern about
adequacy or embarrassment
○ 6. The demands/goals of the task are clear and the feedback is accurate and specific to
task
○ 7. Time is transformed- seems to fly by
○ 8. Effortless movement- don’t have to think or try to hard (auto pilot)
Flow is usually attained when both capabilities and challenge are HIGH
How to Achieve Flow
○ Motivation to preform
○ Optimal levels of arousal
○ Maintain narrow focus on key elements
○ Pre-competitive and competitive plans and preparation
○ Physical preparation and readiness
○ Confidence and positive mental attitude
○ Trust and shared sense of purpose with teammates (cohesion)
○ Feeling good about performance
Implications
○ 1. Extrinsic rewards do not necessary undermine or enhance intrinsic interest in an
activity
○ 2. Individuals Interpretation of the reward (SALIENCE) that is critical
○ 3. Not a question of to use an extrinsic reward, rather it is how such a reward should
be used
○ 4. The controlling and informational aspect of the reward that must be considered
Therefore as a leader we should:
○ Provide a optimally challenging environment
Document Summary
Interviewed rock climbers, chess players, dancers, musicians, basket ball players. An autotelic feeling where the participant feels totally incolced in the activity ( do the activity for the sheer joy) Flow is attained when participants perceived skills are equal to the demands or challenges or the task and the following conditions are present: Complete absorption in the activity so involved nothing else matters. Merging of action and awareness- totally involved in the task (don"t have to think about it- it just happens) Have a sense of control over actions and environment. Attention is centered and focused on only a few important details. There is a loss of ego(self-consciousness) where there is no concern about adequacy or embarrassment. The demands/goals of the task are clear and the feedback is accurate and specific to task. Effortless movement- don"t have to think or try to hard (auto pilot) Flow is usually attained when both capabilities and challenge are high.
