The Effect of Instruction and Motivational Self Talk on Performance and Retention of Discrete and Continuous Motor Tasks

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of instructional and motivational self-talk in performance and retention of discrete and continuous motor tasks. Participants were 120 males, who divided to six experiential groups. Dart throwing and dynamic balance was selected as discrete and continuous motor tasks, respectively. The scores were recorded after every trial as performance test. 48 hours later was done retention test. Results of MANOVA showed that there is significant difference between instructional, motivational and combinational groups. Therefore, instructional selftalk had a significant and higher effect on discrete motor task; and motivational self-talk had significant and higher effect on continuous motor task. Also, there is no significant difference between groups in retention test. Results of this study were discussed in short term effect of self-talk on performance