What Is Imagery? Equivalent terms include visualization, mental rehearsal, mental practice. Imagery involves creating or recreating an experience in your mind. (continued)

What Is Imagery? A form of simulation that involves recalling from memory pieces of information stored from experience, and shaping these pieces into meaningful images. (continued)

What Is Imagery? Imagery involves all the senses: visual, kinesthetic, auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory. (e.g., wide-receiver; other) Imagery involves moods and emotions.

Types of Imagery Internal imagery External imagery Imagine the execution of a skill from your own vantage point (a first-person perspective). External imagery View yourself from the perspective of an external observer (like watching yourself on video).

Types of Imagery Key: Whether a person uses an internal or external image appears to be less important than his or her choosing a comfortable style that produces clear, controllable images. Some suggest internal imaging is better for performance enhancement

Vividness Keys to Effective Imagery Use all the senses to make images as vivid and detailed as possible. Exercise: Imagine being at home, a positive performance of a skill, a best performance.

Controllability Keys to Effective Imagery Learn to manipulate your images so they do what you want them to. Exercise: Imagine a desired action/outcome, or controlling your emotions in competition or in response to an opponent or difficult person

Uses of Imagery Improve concentration Relaxation Build confidence Control emotional responses - coping Acquire and practice physical sport skills Control pain Solve problems Acquire and practice strategy

Does Imagery Work? Anecdotal reports: Case studies: myself Jack Nicklaus, Olympic athletes and coaches Case studies: myself Multiple-baseline case studies: VMBR investigations with skiers and karate performers Experimental evidence: Many supportive experiments; 200+ However, imagery effectiveness depends on a number of factors.

Factors in Effectiveness of Imagery Nature of the task: Imagery affects performance the most on cognitive tasks. Skill level of the performer: Imagery helps performance for both novice and experienced performers; effects are stronger for experienced performers…may have clearer, more vivid images of specific skills compared to beginners (continued)

Factors in Effectiveness of Imagery Imaging ability: Imagery is more effective when individuals are higher in their ability to image (have better vividness and control). Combination with practice: Using imagery along with physical practice works better than just using imagery alone…BUT...

Developing an Imagery Training Program Tailor imagery programs to an athlete’s individual needs, abilities, and interests. The first step in developing an imagery program is evaluating the athlete’s imagery skills. Imagery must be practiced...should be built into an athlete’s daily routine.

Developing an Imagery Training Program Imagery guidelines: Proper setting Relaxed concentration Realistic expectations; sufficient motivation Vivid and controllable images Positive focus (continued)

Developing an Imagery Training Program Imagery guidelines: Use Videotapes; create them of yourself or use expert models Imagining execution and outcome Imagining in real time

When to Use Imagery Before and after practice Before and after competition During breaks in action (in practice and competition) During personal time When recovering from injury Immediate correction of technical or mental mistakes (e.g., golf swing)

How Imagery Works: Five Theories Psychoneuromuscular theory Symbolic learning theory Psychological skills hypothesis Bioinformational theory Triple code model

Psychoneuromuscular Theory Imagery programs muscles for action. How Imagery Works Psychoneuromuscular Theory Imagery programs muscles for action. Imagery facilitates learning of motor skills because imagined events innervate the muscles like physical practice of the movement; they strengthen neural pathways.

Symbolic Learning Theory How Imagery Works Symbolic Learning Theory Imagery helps us understand movement patterns. Imagery functions as a coding system (as mental blueprints) to help people understand and acquire movement patterns.

Psychological Skills Hypothesis: Attentional Arousal Set Theory 3 How Imagery Works Psychological Skills Hypothesis: Attentional Arousal Set Imagery ---> other mental skills Imagery develops and refines mental skills (i.e., concentration and confidence) and reduces anxiety.

Bioinformational Theory How Imagery Works Bioinformational Theory Images are made of stimulus and response propositions. It is critical to imagine not only stimulus propositions (statements that describe the scenario to be imagined) but also response propositions (imaginer’s response to the scenario).

Triple Code Model How Imagery Works Theory 5 How Imagery Works Triple Code Model Imagery comprises the image, somatic response, and image meaning. understanding how these 3 components of imagery meld together... Most all theories try to explain motor performance and skill learning, leaving a lot out

Future of Imagery Neuroscience and imaging Other applications and directions?