PSYCH 124S Lecture Notes - Lecture 18: Psychophysiology, Psych, Controllability
Document Summary
Imagery facilitates the learning of motor skills because imagined events innervate the muscles as physical practice of the movement does; they strengthen neural pathways. Imagery functions as a coding system (as mental blueprints) to help people understand and acquire movement patterns. 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). Imagery comprises the image, somatic response, and meaning of the image. Primary importance is placed on the psychophysiology of imagery and understanding the imagery parts: the image, the somatic response, and the meaning of the image. Imagery develops and refines mental skills (e. g. , concentration and. Psychological explanations for imagery effects confidence) and reduces anxiety. Attention arousal set theory: imagery functions as a predatory set that assists in reaching optimal arousal. Psychological skills hypothesis: imagery enhances feelings of confidence, reduces anxiety levels, and increases concentration.
