An exploration of the existence and development of shared understanding between football dyads

The purpose of this programme of research was to investigate the existence and development of shared understanding between football dyads through quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research has considered the importance of shared understanding between team members (Williamson and Cox 2014, Gershgoren et al. 2016) but rarely dyads within teams (i.e. Blickensderfer et al. 2010). Study One attempted to establish the existence of shared understanding between twenty football dyads. Study Two explored the levels of shared understanding displayed by forty-five defensive football dyads in game situations that had either a clear correct course of action or when there was no clear correct course of action. Through an interview-based approach, Study Three investigated potential factors that could contribute to the development of shared understanding between football dyads, based on the suggestions of twelve football players. Through these different methods, the three studies have provided evidence to support the existence and development of shared understanding between football dyads. The main findings of the thesis (a) shared understanding exists between dyads who have experience performing together, (b) when dyads are in a situation where there is a clear and correct option available, they are more likely to choose the same option based on their own individual experience, (c) when dyads are in a situation where there is no clear and correct option available, they are more likely to pick the same option based on their experience performing together, (d) experience performing together, having an efficient relationship with their partner, effective communication methods between one another and the role of the coach facilitated the development of shared understanding between dyads and (e) these factors facilitate an effective shared mental model between dyads.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Abertay University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Malone, Michael

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Lorimer, Ross
• Hardie, Scott

• Shared understanding
• Coordination
• Athlete-Athlete Dyads
• Sports psychology
• Football
• Sports coaching

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:rke.abertay.ac.uk:studenttheses/60b20dac-6a17-4930-8a84-67ba83884972

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rke.abertay.ac.uk:studenttheses/60b20dac-6a17-4930-8a84-67ba83884972