Prediction of Expert Archer's Performance on the Basis of Psychological Factors with an Emphasis on Extraversion-Introversion Personality Characteristic

The aim of this study was to predict expert archers’ performance on the basis of psychological factors such as arousal, activation, anxiety, motivation and personality characteristics with an emphasis on extraversion / introversion dimension. In this predictive correlation study, 34 expert archers were randomly selected as the sample of the study out of the archers of national team (statistical population). Skin conductance level was measured to assess arousal. To determine trait anxiety, Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and for state anxiety, Competitive State Anxiety Inventory (CSAI-2) were used. Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) was used to determine motivation. Extraversion / introversion level was measured by eysenck personality questionnaire. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the level of correlation and linear multivariate regression was used to predict subjects’ performance. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between subjects’ performance and arousal, activation, motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic) and extraversion / introversion whereas there was no significant relationshipbetween their performance and anxiety (trait, cognitive, somatic) and consequently they could not predict performance. Also, the results revealed that arousal and activation (P<0.05, F(2,31)=79.418, R2=0.837), intrinsic motivation (P<0.05, F(1,30)=1031.826, R2=0.972) and extraversion/introversion (P<0.05, F(1,33)= 330.199, R2=0.909) were significant predictors of archers’ performance. Furthermore, extrinsic motivation could not predict performance. It is recommended that coaches pay attention to these factors when they intend to educate, select and involve archers in matches.