The relative impact of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence upon sport performance: a meta-analysis

This meta-analysis (k = 48) investigated two relationships in competitive sport: (1) state cognitive anxiety with performance and (2) state self-confidence with performance. The cognitive anxiety mean effect size was r = -0.10 (P < 0.05). The self-confidence mean effect size was r = 0.24 (P < 0.001). A paired-samples t-test revealed that the magnitude of the self-confidence mean effect size was significantly greater than that of the cognitive anxiety mean effect size. The moderator variables for the cognitive anxiety-performance relationship were sex and standard of competition. The mean effect size for men (r = -0.22) was significantly greater than the mean effect size for women (r = -0.03). The mean effect size for high-standard competition (r = -0.27) was significantly greater than that for comparatively low-standard competition (r = -0.06). The significant moderator variables for the self-confidence-performance relationship were sex, standard of competition and measurement. The mean effect size for men (r = 0.29) was significantly greater than that for women (r = 0.04) and the mean effect size for high-standard competition (r = 0.33) was significantly greater than that for low-standard competition (r = 0.16). The mean effect size derived from studies employing the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (r = 0.19) was significantly smaller than the mean effect size derived from studies using other measures of self-confidence (r = 0.38). Measurement issues are discussed and future research directions are offered in light of the results.     

NVQs in Publishing: why bother?

National Vocational Qualifications, NVQs, have received a mixed reception in the UK and not least in the publishing industry. The background to the introduction and development of NVQs is covered and the process by which the qualifications are implemented, the procedures for assessment and relevant organisations are described. A Unit from one of the Book Publishing NVQs is presented in detail. It is argued that NVQs are an important part of continuing professional development for those in the publishing industry.     

Reading and Responding: A Rose-coloured Experience

The writer argues that a fresh look at some aspects of reader-response theories could have a revitalising effect on classroom practices. If we want pupils to respond to texts, we should make more use of what happens while they read, helping them to become self-conscious readers. The writer exemplifies some reader-response strategies through his own responses to a short story by AS. Byatt. Implications and suggestions for classroom activities are suggested.     

TELEVISION IN A LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Many local education authorities neglect the development of closed‐circuit television facilities because they fear they may become trapped in a complex studio‐based system. The author discusses the provision of flexible and relatively inexpensive television resources for the local education authority, drawing on his experience in Surrey for three examples.