🔑 Three Theories of Why Imagery Works
1. Psychoneuromuscular Theory
Brain sends signals to muscles during imagery
Muscles show small contractions during mental practice
Creates "muscle memory" without actual movement
Muscles show small contractions during mental practice
Creates "muscle memory" without actual movement
2. Symbolic Learning Theory
- Imagery creates mental blueprint of movements
- Athletes plan actions in advance
- Develops cognitive map of skill sequence
3. Attention-Arousal Theory
- Imagery improves focus and concentration
- Helps control arousal levels
- Prepares mind for performance
👁 Two Imagery Perspectives
Internal Imagery
- Seeing from YOUR OWN EYES (first-person view)
- Focuses on kinesthetic feelings (body sensations)
- Emphasizes how movements feel
External Imagery
- Watching YOURSELF from outside (third-person view)
- Like watching yourself on video
- Emphasizes visual observation
💬 Using All Five Senses
- Both perspectives should use all senses
- Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory
- More vivid = more effective
💡 Exam Tips
- Three theories: Psychoneuromuscular, Symbolic Learning, Attention-Arousal
- Internal = first-person (your eyes), External = third-person (watching yourself)
- Internal emphasizes kinesthetic feelings, External emphasizes visual
- Both perspectives use all 5 senses