The effect of imagery on self-efficacy for a motor skill

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to investigate the effect of mental imagery training on the magnitude and strength of individuals' self-efficacy for a dart throwing task, and to compare the utility of single-subject and group design studies in investigating imagery in the motor skill domain.
\nThe first study employed a multiple-baseline-across-subjects design, in which six (n=6) subjects were administered a 15-session mental imagery training program following baseline sessions of varying lengths. The first ten imagery training sessions included a three minute relaxation component, followed by four minutes of specific imagery training (incorporating self-perception imagery and imagery vividness and controllability training). Subjects were then asked to stand, perform a one minute centering exercise, and to image successful performance of the task. This was immediately followed by the completion of a self-efficacy and imagery rating scale, and actual performance of the task while blindfolded.
\nTwo subjects showed that their self-efficacy magnitude for the task had increased as a result of the intervention, one subject demonstrated an increase in self-efficacy strength due to imagery training, and all subjects evidenced a change in their overall pattern of performance from the baseline to intervention phases.
\nThe second study used a more traditional group design in which nineteen (n=19) randomly assigned subjects were administered a similar 15-session mental imagery training program. These subjects were compared to a control group of nineteen (n=19) subjects on their ratings of self-efficacy magnitude and strength prior to, immediately following, and eight days after the completion of the imagery intervention. For this study, the intervention differed from the multiple-baseline study, in that the subjects were not required to complete the self-efficacy or imagery rating scales on each day of the intervention, and were not required to physically perform the task.
\nTwo 2 x 3 Analyses of variance showed no significant differences between the control and experimental groups on ratings of self-efficacy magnitude or strength.
\nIt was concluded from the multiple-baseline study that
\nimagery was able to enhance self-efficacy for the dart
\nthrowing task in subjects who were high ability imagers, had
\nprevious experience at throwing darts, believed in the
\nperformance-enhancing capabilities of mental imagery
\ntraining, and had been exposed to relaxation and imagery
\nprocedures prior to the study. It was concluded from the
\ngroup design study however, that imagery had no effect on
\nself-efficacy for the dart throwing task for subjects who
\nhad previous experience at imagery training, and who
\nbelieved in the potential for imagery to enhance
\nperformance. A comparison of the two designs demonstrated
\nthe effectiveness of the single-subject design study in more
\nfully investigating imagery's effect on various aspects of
\nmotor skill performance. In particular, the importance of
\nhigh imagery ability, the use of more task specific measures
\nof imagery ability, and the possibility that performance-based
\nsources of efficacy information may be the only avenue
\nfor enhancing self-efficacy for certain individuals, were
\nissues that were raised as a result of the single-subject
\ndesign study. It was further concluded that the systematic
\nuse of such designs provided a practical, relevant and
\ncomprehensive evaluation of the effect of imagery on aspects
\nof motor skill performance, although the complementary use
\nof both types of research was recommended.