Relationship of sport Imagery Ability and Observational Learning Functions in Male Athletes

The aim of present study was to determine the relationship between sport imagery ability and observational learning functions among male athletes. 115 male athletes, who participated in 12st varsity sport tournament with mean age of 22.89±3.94 age years, completed the research questionnaires. Results showed that there were significant positive correlations between sport imagery ability and functions of observational learning subscales. Results of stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the skill and goal imagery ability significantly predicted the skill function of observational learning, and the strategy imagery ability significantly predicted the strategies of observational learning function. Also, the performance function of observational learning significantly was predicted by goal and mastery imagery abilities. Based on these findings, could be suggested that coaches and sport psychologists can improve the effectiveness of imagery and observational learning by matching the imagery ability types and alternatives observational learning functions in relatively high skilled athletes.