Cognitive and Emotional Factors Representative of Reinforcement Patterns among an Amateur Softball Team

Abstract

Pre-game performance expectations, emotions, and post-game performance ratings were measured among members of an amateur Softball team. The results showed that pre-game performance expectations and reported happiness were at high levels and did not differ between won or lost games or between skilled and lesser skilled players. Reported depression was found to rise significantly among skilled players prior to lost games. Post-game performance ratings were significantly lower than pre-game performance expectations among both skilled and lesser skilled players. Post-game performance ratings of both the players and coach were significantly higher for games won than games lost, but the ratings of the coach after all games were significantly higher than those of the players. Post-game performance ratings by the coach of skilled and lesser skilled players did not differ significantly. These results indicate that cognitive (expectation) and emotional factors, as well as self-reported performance ratings, may be useful in determining reinforcement patterns among amateur players and coaches. In the present situation, uniform, positive reinforcement by the coach appears to be perceived differently among skilled and lesser skilled players depending on whether the game was won or lost.