Athlete Interview Research Paper
1) The Interview – 50 points
Find an athlete to interview regarding the mental performance side of sport.
Criterion – must play or have played high school, college level, or professional
Interview Questions – sample questions below or you may use your own
Time: 20-30 minutes
Recording – may tape record but must ask permission!
***Turn In – Transcription of questions with answers from interview
2) Analysis Paper – 100 points
– 3 Pages of analysis – Choose topics/responses learned in class and apply them with
theory and information to back up their responses
– May use quotes from interview to support points
– 3 theories from class
– 2 research articles from journals that connect with the points you are making
– Analyze the mental skills they felt were important
– What did you learn the most from the athlete?
– Reflection (opinion) the interview process and feelings about assignment
Details:
– 12 font, Times New Roman, 1” margins
– APA Format or MLA Format
– Interview Transcription
– Paper
o Cover Page
o Transcription (questions & Answers)
o 3 pages analysis (include reflection)
o Reference Page
Finding References
Use APA to cite references properly.
You must use at least 2 articles from published journals.
You may cite from websites or articles (cite properly).
Finding Journal Articles:
1. Go to www.csun.edu
2. Click on the Library button on the right side in the gray bar.
3. Click on the Find Articles by Subject button on the left side.
4. Find and click on Kinesiology button in right column.
5. Click on SPORTDiscus.
6. Sign in with your CSUN login information.
7. Search topics related to your paper (Ex: Confidence and Pressure)
Sample Questions for Interview
1. What sport did you play and at what level?
2. What are some of the highlights of your career?
3. What are some of the motivations behind you playing your sport?
4. Did you have any other athletes you look up to and why?
5. What % of success in your sport do you believe is mental vs. physical?
6. Are there any specific mental skills you feel are important for your sport?
7. What role does confidence play when it comes to performing at a high level?
8. Do you utilize any form of pre-game routine?
9. What is your perspective and approach on the best way to handle and overcome
making mistakes?
10. What do you know now that you wish you knew when a younger athlete?
11. What advice would you give to other athletes who want to go into your sport?