The present study examined the effects of dynamic and static imagery on the vividness of imagery, down-hill ski-slalom performance, and confidence. An opportunistic sample of 24 race-standard skiers were randomly assigned to one of three groups; a dynamic imagery group, a static imagery group or a control group. Participants in the first two groups were administered an imagery script instructing them to imagine themselves completing the down-hill ski-slalom course. In addition, the dynamic group conducted the imagery in their ski equipment on the ski slope, where as, the static group conducted their imagery away from the snow, while seated in a chair. Once participants completed the imagery scripts, they were administered Hale's (1998) imagery vividness evaluation form. Participants in the control group conducted light stretches. After completing the respective imagery and light stretches, participants skied the course and then completed a post-experimental questionnaire. The time taken to complete each run was recorded. An independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two imagery groups in terms of vividness of imagery, t = (16) = -3.28, p <.005 and confidence t = (16) = -3.59, p <.002. Visual inspection of the cell means indicated that the dynamic group had higher vividness and confidence scores than the static group. A one-way analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between the groups in the time taken to complete the course, F(2,21)=3.37, p < .05. Follow-up Tukey's tests indicated a significant difference between the control group and dynamic imagery group, with visual inspection of the means revealing that the dynamic group completed the task in the quickest time. The results are discussed in terms of dynamic imagery aiding the representational display in short-term working memory, and the use of dynamic imagery in applied settings.
©2011 Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co. KG, Berlin/Boston
