Still searching for effective criticism inoculation procedures: An example of the value of replication and process analyses in applied sport psychology research

Abstract

This study replicated and extended some aspects of the research reported by Kirschenbaum et al. (1984) in which subjects were trained in techniques designed to prevent adverse effects of excessive criticism (Criticism Inoculation Training or CIT). Pseudo-coaches taught undergraduate men (N = 45) the basketball underhand freethrow technique. The pseudo-coaches frequently criticized subjects in 2 of 3 groups: the negative feedback group and the CIT group (negative feedback + CIT training = positive imagery, expectancy enhancement, and positive self-monitoring). The third group was a control group which received no feedback. Measures included accuracy of freethrow shooting (performance) and process measures (e.g., attitudes toward the pseudo-coaches and the technique). Negative feedback was expected to decrease performance and favorableness of attitudes. CIT was expected to enhance performance and attitudes, thereby reducing the adverse effects of excessive criticism. As in the prior study, CIT proved surprisingly ineffective and it was actually detrimental on a measure of involvement in the task. Direct comparisons across studies and analyses of process measures suggested some explanations of the surprising results. The explanations focused on the relative neutrality of the “negative” feedback in this study, as well as such factors as task difficulty, expectancies, and the value of collaboration in applied interventions. Practical implications are considered with an emphasis on methodological issues.