Imagery Study Continued...

Methods:

In Winter, Freeman, Griffin, Soundy & Maynard’s 2024 study, the authors drew conclusions from professionals working in psychology who already collected their initial data by previous experiences those professionals had working in the field (2024). This information was helpful in drawing conclusions for how collecting a sample method of data would either be viable or not concurrent to further research on this topic. For example, in their 2024 study, it provides information on why evidence informed decision making can impact training and rehabilitation from injury (Winter, et. Al., 2024).

Results: Video exposure was linked to changes in hormonal levels and improved stress adaptation in athletes; Foo et al., 2025. Foo et al. (2025) noted that mental rehearsal activates brain regions similar to those used during actual performance, aiding athletes in overcoming both performance-related challenges and personal obstacles. However, overly narrow visualization

can negatively impact performance, and the lack of standardization in the type and method of mental imagery remains a methodological limitation. Mental rehearsal engages brain activation patterns akin to physical performance and may help athletes address personal and competitive

challenges, though inconsistent visualization methods can lead to variable outcomes; Foo et al., 2025.

Discussion:

To determine the type of data collected for each variable first I started with these categories; mood state, anger or aggression, imagery/visualization, Functional Athletic Performance (FAB), Imagery/Visualization, furthermore this included 10 variables in the Functional Athletic Ability Survey presented in a form one could present to a participant. The introduction question at the

top of the FAB Survey included (VVIQ) Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire Scale (Likert 1-7). This is one introductory question that is proceeded by the 10 variables referred to as Functional Athletic Ability Questions where the respondent rates their comprehension on a specific character trait related to the topic of imagery and visualization. Before answering the 10 questions found on the Functional Athletic Ability Survey, the respondent answers the 7-point Likert for the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnairee Scale Likert 1-7. For example, e.g., 1=no image 7=perfectly clear image. The Functional Athletic Ability Survey confers frequency of imagery, per day or per task/ drill, controllability, ease of manipulating mental images during performance, and modality (e.g., visual, kinesthetic, auditory. Applying the 10 variables in the FAB survey would identify specific constraints to performance and training based on education level specific to the topic of imagery. Performance measures, for example, task accuracy, speed, error rates, reaction time (RT), number of mental transformations, physiological or neurocognitive data, FMRI or EEG activation, heart rate variability (HRV), imagery type, static vs. dynamic, first person or third person, visualization strategy themes, coding imagery content (skill based, motivational, or problem solving). After assessing the 10 variables measured in the

form of a circled number 1-5 for the respondent to acknowledge their understanding on each variable related to training the amount of data that would be gathered would be to significant to draw a conclusion and change the performance state of the participant. For future research the 10 variables 5-point scale to assess Functional Athletic Ability was simplified into two broad questions to rate the standard comprehension on the topic of imagery and visualization as one body of knowledge without rating knowledge level of applied performance characteristics.

The second portion to my research proposal was to create a physiological assessment that also included 10 skill related testing batteries to show the effectiveness of imagery comprehension before and after training or participating in an educational class on the topic. The name of the

second survey is Data Imagery Ability Performance Assessment/Survey (IAP).

It is to be collected one week prior to administering the FAB (functional ability performance) survey as well as VVIQ scoring system. The FAB and VVIQ will then be administered no more

times after allowing each participant to give personal feedback after completing form 1.1. (IAP) includes 10 testing batteries that would be gathered in a sports performance lab one week prior to being exposed to imagery performance strategies and form 1.1. Functional ability performance identifies 10 categories ranked 1-5 with a brief explanation of each categorical title. Included in

form 1.1: Imagery controllability, task accuracy and speed, error rates, reaction time, number of mental transformations, auditory, visual, heart rate variability (HRV), visualization strategy, and physiological. After a training block, competitive season, or any given cycle of physical performance, the participants will complete the (IAP) again. My hypothesis is that after a physical testing battery and education with time for digression and comprehension of performance strategies each participant should see improvement in the 10 testing batteries being evaluated in the (IAP)

Conclusion:

The population of interest is student athletes either overcoming intrinsic challenges with physical or mental performance. The literature review is the baseline for addressing the problem with strategies and theories of intervention. Moving forward, their sampling methods and protocol for collecting data didn’t satisfy the requirement for accurate re-interpretation. In their 2016 study, Johnston, Hakim, Dittrich, Burnett, Kim, & White explained (RDS) Respondent Driven Sampling. This might be applicable to a study on student athletes, just using these researchers' method of collecting data. This would include surveys or data collected from the sample size of interest in (Winter, et, al., 2024) in the topic of sports psychology, evidence-based decision making, and emotional focused therapy (EFT). Simply, I would just use the method of collecting evidence from (Winter, et, al., 2024).

Concluding validity in sample research question based on the findings in meta-analysis and more importantly the lit. Review. In their 2022 study, Tamminen and Watson developed Emotional Focused Therapy to identify five challenges athletes face when dealing with an injury. The authors argued that emotional response forms can be further investigated into subcategories of EFT including emotional schemes, emotional response form, and emotion regulation and

dysregulation (Tamminen & Watson, 2022). EFT was then used to create (FAB) as a testing battery.

Furthermore, if the athletic administration does not want to disclose or participate in the (IAP) collection and comparison of variables confounded in a sports lab or training environment,

this study can be conformed to a one step method of gathering qualitative answers on a confidential form 1.1 to simply gather enough information to explain the baseline for comprehension and exposure to strategies and mental skills performance