Graduation Year

Spring 2014

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Department

Psychology

Reader 1

Stacey Wood

Reader 2

Alan Hartley

Rights Information

© 2014 Elizabeth Diebel

Abstract

The present research assessed the influence of golfers’ mindsets on their performance when accounting for their skill level. Better performance of three chip shots was expected from golfers with a strategic mental approach to golf performance, including motivation, confidence, and concentration. Golfers with these mindset components were also expected to be more skilled, lower handicap golfers. Prior to a performance situation, participants were asked to give a description that was expected to challenge their performance mindset. In the experimental conditions, participants were asked to describe either their best shot or their worst shot from a past round. In the control condition, they were asked to provide a neutral description. Participants’ subsequent performance of three golf chip shots was assessed. Contrary to the hypothesis, the results found that the pre-performance mindset manipulation did not significantly affect the performance of high or low CC golfers. However, significant correlations were found between two of the hypothesized performance mindset components, confidence and concentration, and golf performance, suggesting that successful golf performance may be related to a particular mindset.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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