Mental factors
Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a useful tool to draw out responses on different mental factors - for example, questions designed around the decisions made by the performer during a performance or the performer’s motivation levels during the performance.
When using a questionnaire as a method to gather information, ensure questions and responses are clearly shown. Immediately after a performance, a coach may ask four questions relating to the performance and how the athlete felt mentally.
The athlete answers as honestly as they can by choosing from the three headings – always, sometimes, never. The coach places a tick in the box depending on the answer.
A questionnaire allows for subjective data (opinions) to be drawn from the performer. This can help set targets for designing a Personal Development plan.
Question
A performer decided to use a questionnaire to find out what their motivation levels were like during a performance. What would be a good description of this questionnaire? (A good description would allow someone who hasn't used the method to carry it out.)
The questionnaire was divided into different questions regarding motivation levels. Key questions such as when motivation was affected, and at what part of the performance motivation levels were affected were addressed. Directly after the performance, the coach asked the performer these questions and took notes on the responses.
Question
Why would this be a useful method to gather information?
The method is useful as it give opinions directly after performance when they were fresh in the memory of the performer. These are likely to be more accurate and give a better idea of areas for development.