Preferred Instructional Methods Among Personality Types Using Psychological Skills Training

Abstract

This study, using psychological skills training, takes a look at how personality type plays a role in preferred instructional methods among athletes. Three psychological skills were taught using two types of instructional methods: self-taught and instructor-led. The Carthage women's lacrosse team took the DISC personality assessment to determine which one of the four personality types each member resembled. All 25 members then received take-home reading material and worksheets covering each of the three psychological skills: arousal regulation, imagery and concentration. Following each self-taught lesson, one 45-minute instructor-led presentation was given covering the same material as the self-taught lesson. Finally, athletes answered a final questionnaire to rate their preference for each psychological skill for the self-taught lesson and instructor-led presentation. Interviews with each personality group were also used to determine significance of preference. Results indicated a considerable correlation between preferred instructional method and personality type.