In this module you will explore some of the most significant psychological factors influencing the development of participants in sport. Through critical analysis of relevant research and psychological theory, you’ll consider the psycho-developmental influences of factors, such as families, coach-athlete interactions and transitional stages, on an individual’s pathway in sport. This module is suitable for you if you have an interest in sport and exercise psychology, or are working in this field in a coaching role. While the module is focused predominantly on sports performance, it does also consider some aspects of exercise participation.
What you will study
The module comprises six study topics:
Introduction to athletic development – This study topic will introduce you to the module and an explanatory framework for understanding athletic development and the development of expertise in sport.
Family influences on athletic development – The family can have a significant impact on a young athlete’s potential to develop within a sport. From a psychosocial perspective, you’ll examine research that investigates family influences on the development of young performers.
The coach-athlete relationship – The relationship between a coach and athlete is fundamental to an individual’s athletic development. You will analyse research examining some of the factors that facilitate and hinder the development of a successful coach-athlete relationship.
Coach behaviour – The coach has arguably the most significant role to play in developing the athlete. The coach will usually act in a leadership role in the coach-athlete relationship and this demands that the coach behaves in certain ways. In this study topic you’ll examine the range of leadership behaviours of the coach and their impact on the athlete or team.
Transitions through sport – As an athlete progresses through their sporting career they will make several transitions. You will examine some of the psychological influences and responses to transitions within sport (e.g. the move from junior to senior level) and out of sport (retirement).
Topical issues in athletic development – In this study topic you choose which options you wish to study. The options include investigating depression among sports performers; the issue of morality in sport in terms of an athlete’s behaviour; and the effects of other performers and an audience on performance.
The module content will be delivered through an online study guide, a text book, a reader, and a wide range of audio and video material. This will be underpinned by tuition that will include regular group tutorials and an online forum.
Vocational relevance
The interpretation of research evidence will build increased awareness and knowledge of psychological issues in sport that should influence the approach of those working in the sector. This may enhance the more intuitive approaches and solutions adopted by sports coaches and exercise instructors towards athletic development pathways they encounter.
Entry
This is an OU level 3 module. OU level 3 modules build on study skills and subject knowledge acquired from previous studies at OU levels 1 and 2. They are intended only for students who have recent experience of higher education in a related subject.
You will be required to read and interpret detailed research articles so your academic skills should reflect these expectations.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you have a disability
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E313 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
Study materials
What's included
You'll have access to a module website, which includes:
- a week-by-week study planner
- course-specific module materials
- audio and video content
- assignment details and submission section
- online tutorial access
You’ll also be provided with a printed module textbook and module reader.
Computing requirements
You’ll need broadband internet access and a desktop or laptop computer with an up-to-date version of Windows (10 or 11) or macOS Ventura or higher.
Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
To join in spoken conversations in tutorials, we recommend a wired headset (headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone).
Our module websites comply with web standards, and any modern browser is suitable for most activities.
Our OU Study mobile app will operate on all current, supported versions of Android and iOS. It’s not available on Kindle.
It’s also possible to access some module materials on a mobile phone, tablet device or Chromebook. However, as you may be asked to install additional software or use certain applications, you’ll also require a desktop or laptop, as described above.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You will have a tutor who will help you with the study material and mark and comment on your assignments, and who you can ask for advice and guidance. Contact with your tutor will be through the following methods:
- online tutorials, which we strongly encourage you to participate in since most students find these extremely useful
- online forum in your tutor group
- personal email or telephone.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box above.
You will be expected to submit your tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) online through the eTMA system unless there are some difficulties which prevent you from doing so. In these circumstances, you must negotiate with your tutor to get their agreement to submit your assignment on paper.
Professional recognition
This module is recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and endorsed by PD:Approval, for continuing professional development (CPD) purposes. This means that if you’re a member of REPs, on completing the module, you can claim 16 CPD points.
Future availability
Exploring psychological aspects of athletic development (E313) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2020.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2020.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our
Student Policies and Regulations website.