Feedforward Self-Modeling and Self-Regulation: It’s Not Just for Learning

ABSTRACT

Purpose: This research investigated whether Zimmerman’s model of self-regulated learning could be transferred into a competitive setting. We also investigated whether a feedforward self-modeling video could influence one’s use of self-regulation and as such be an effective self-regulatory intervention. Methods: Nine competitive gymnasts took part in two interviews; one interview was conducted after a competition in which the video was viewed (experimental interview: EI) and the other after a competition where no video was seen (control interview: CI). Results: The gymnasts’ responses to the interviews suggested that many processes and beliefs used in the learning context described by Zimmerman were also engaged in within a competitive context. Furthermore, comparison of gymnasts’ responses between the EI and CI suggested that the feedforward self-modeling video influenced gymnasts’ use of self-regulation during a competition. Conclusion: This research suggests that Zimmerman’s model of self-regulation has potential to be transmitted into the competitive context and that an individual’s self-regulation can be influenced by viewing a feedforward self-modeling video.

KEYWORDS:

• Self-regulation
• observation
• competition
• gymnastics

Notes

¹ These nine participants were part of a larger research project in which some of the participants partook in an Advanced Training Program (ATP) about 4 weeks before the intervention. Analyses presented in another article, however, indicated no differences in the self-regulatory mechanisms for those in the ATP condition. Consequently, the data here were collapsed across all participants. For further details, see Rymal and Ste-Marie (2017).

² The method presented here is specific to that needed for the focus of the objectives presented in this article; for the full methodological protocol see Rymal and Ste-Marie (2017).

³ In this paper, we focus only on those processes and beliefs that fell within Zimmerman’s model. While there were some statements that generated other themes, these will not be addressed.