ERIC Number: EJ689791
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2004-Mar
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-4455
EISSN: N/A
Self-Monitoring as an Intervention to Decrease Swimmers Stroke Counts
Polaha, Jodi; Allen, Keith; Studley, Benjamin
Behavior Modification, v28 n2 p261-275 Mar 2004
Self-monitoring of stroke count by swimmers is a common coaching strategy, it is but one that has little data to support it. Although research has demonstrated that self-monitoring can motivate behavior change, little research has focused on whether self-monitoring can enhance skill development. The purpose of the present set of studies was to examine the effects of self-monitoring on the improvement of a specific swimming skill (i.e., stroke count). Eight adult fitness swimmers and three college-level competitive swimmers participated in Study 1. In an A-B-A design, swimmers were observed to reduce stroke counts by about one stroke per lap when instructed to self-monitor and to verbally report strokes. In Study 2, swimmers self-monitored and visually reported strokes on a dry-erase board. A greater improvement was observed in five out of six swimmers. Across studies, stroke counts generally returned to baseline levels when self-monitoring was ended, and improvements during both self-monitoring phases were the greatest in the weakest swimmers. Limitations of the research, mechanisms of change, and implications for coaches are discussed.
Descriptors: Skill Development, Behavior Modification, Behavior Change, Athletic Coaches, Aquatic Sports, Adults, College Students, Self Management
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A