Superstition Does Not Enhance Motor Performance and Learning:
Laboratory Experiments
Keywords:
positive connotation, golf-putting, throwing, motor skillsAbstract
The purpose of the present studies was to examine whether providing superstitious instruction has beneficial effects on motor performance. The results of the effectiveness of superstitious instructions have been mixed. Additionally, the two present studies moved one step forward to examine the effects on motor learning, assessed by retention and transfer tests conducted 2 days after practice day. The tasks for Experiment 1 and 2 were throwing and golf-putting, respectively. In Experiment. 1, the superstitious instruction was, “Here is your lucky color ball. Compared with other color balls, these white balls turned out to be luckier and had better throwing accuracy last week". In Experiment. 2, the superstitious instruction was “This type of putter has been used by many professional golfers at some point in their career. This brand of golf ball, Pinnacle, has been used at many professional tournaments.” Results of Experiment 1 and 2 showed no superstitious-instruction effect on both motor performance and learning, resulting in no difference between the superstitious instruction and control groups. Therefore, superstitious instruction may provide little to no impact on motor performance and learning; however, more studies are needed to conclude the effect of superstition on motor skills.
References
Bahmani, M., Wulf, G., Ghadiri, F., Karimi, S., & Lewthwaite, R. (2017). Enhancing performance expectancies through visual illusions facilitates motor learning in children. Human Movement Science, 55, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2017.07.001
Calin-Jageman, R. J., & Caldwell, T. L. (2014). Replication of the superstition and performance study by Damisch, Stoberock, and Mussweiler (2010). Social Psychology, 45(3), 239–245. http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1864-9335/a000190
Chauvel, G., Wulf, G., & Maquestiaux, F. (2015). Visual illusions can facilitate sport skill learning. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 22, 717–721. http://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-014-0744-9
Churchill, A., Taylor, J. A., & Parkes, R. (2015). The creation of a superstitious belief regarding putters in a laboratory-based golfing task. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 13(4), 335–343. http://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2014.982675
Damisch, L., Stoberock, B., & Mussweiler, T. (2010). Keep your fingers crossed! How superstition improves performance. Psychological Science, 21(7), 1014–1020. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797610372631
Feltz, D. L., Chow, G. M., & Hepler, T. J. (2008). Path analysis of self-efficacy and diving performance revisited. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 30(3), 401–411.
Fluke, S. M., Webster, R. J., & Saucier, D. A. (2014). Methodological and theoretical improvements in the study of superstitious beliefs and behaviour. British Journal of Psychology, 105(1), 102-126. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12008
Gilovich, T. (1991). How we know what isn’t so: The fallibility of human reason in everyday life. New York: Free Press.
Iwatsuki, T., & Regis, C. J. (2021). Relatively easy criteria for success enhances motor learning by altering perceived competence. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 128(2), 900–911. http://doi.org/10.1177/0031512520981237
Lee, C., Linkenauger, S. A., Bakdash, J. Z., Joy-Gaba, J. A., & Profitt, D. R. (2011). Putting like a pro: The role of positive contagion in golf performance and perception. PLoS ONE, 6(10), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0026016
Moritz, S. E., Feltz, D. L., Fahrbach, K. R., & Mack, D. E. (2000). The relation of self-efficacy measures to sport performance: A meta-analytic review. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 71(3), 280–294. http://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2000.10608908
Ryan, R. M. (1982). Control and information in the intrapersonal sphere: An extension of cognitive evaluation theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43, 450-461. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.43.3.450
Sagone, E., De Caroli, M. E. (2014). Locus of control and beliefs about superstition and luck in adolescents: what’s their relationship? Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 140, 318-323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.04.427
Sagone, E., & De Caroli, M.E. (2014). Locus of control and academic self-efficacy in university students: The effects of Self-concepts. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 114, 222-228. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2013.12.689
Todd, M., & Brown, C. (2003). Characteristics associated with superstitious behavior in track and field athletes: Are there NCAA divisional level differences? Journal of Sport Behavior, 26(2), 168–187.
Van Raalte, J. L., Brewer, B. W., Nemeroff, C. J., & Linder, D. E. (1991). Chance orientation and superstitious behavior on the putting green. Journal of Sport Behavior, 14, 41–50.
Witt, J. K., Linkenauger, S. A., & Proffitt, D. R. (2012). Get me out of this slump! Visual illusions improve sports performance. Psychological Science, 23(4), 397–399. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611428810
Womack, M. (1992). Why athletes need ritual: A study of magic among professional athletes. In S.J. Hoffman (Ed.), Sport and religion (pp. 191–202). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
Woodman, T., & Hardy, L. (2003). The relative impact of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence upon sport performance: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 21(6), 443–457. http://doi.org/10.1080/0264041031000101809
Wright, P. B., & Erdal, K. J. (2008). Sport superstition as a function of skill level and task difficulty. Journal of Sport Behavior, 31, 187–199.
