Congruence of Actual and Retrospective Reports of Precompetition Emotions in Equestrians.

The research paper focuses on a study that assesses the ability of horse riders to accurately recall their pre-competition emotions and thoughts after a certain period of time. Using multiple questionnaires and varied time delays, the study found that despite a slight decrease in emotional intensity, the accuracy of remembering pre-competition emotions remained relatively high, irrespective of the video aides.

Research Methodology

• The study involved forty male and female dressage riders, divided into two equal groups. One group viewed their pre-competition routine on video before answering the questionnaires, while the other group was asked to recreate the routine from memory without external aid.
• Each rider filled out different questionnaires that assessed their emotions and thoughts related to horses and their momentary feelings and thoughts.
• After time delays of 3, 7, and 14 days, the riders were again asked to answer the same questions, but this time after imagining themselves in the pre-competition preparation phase.

Study Findings

• The study found that while some decrease in the intensity of emotions was evident in the retrospective reports, the overall accuracy of reporting pre-competition emotions remained quite steady in all delay periods.
• The items related to horses were reported very accurately irrespective of the time delays. Interestingly, viewing the videotape of the pre-competition routine did not enhance the accuracy of the reports.
• The study used content analysis to establish that in free reports, many emotions and thoughts were either added or omitted in the delay periods.

Conceptual Framework

• The findings of the study have been discussed using the conceptualization of Ericsson and Simon’s verbal reports and protocol analysis for better understanding and interpretation. This methodology emphasizes the importance of the respondent’s ability to recall information accurately over different periods of time.
• The underpinning theory provides insights into human memory and cognition, suggesting the ability of individuals to retain and recall specific emotional states and cognitive processes over time. It aids better understand the relationship between cognition, recall, and emotions in equestrians and can extend to other professional and competitive realms.