Research Symposium Program - Individual Details
5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Olivia Curtis C - 4 R - 10
BIO
Olivia was born and raised in Panama City Beach, FL. She now attends Florida State University, Panama City, and is finishing her Bachelor of science in Psychology. Sports, specifically volleyball, have always been an important aspect of her life. She hopes to attend the Sport Psychology graduate program at FSU Tallahassee and become a sports psychologist. Olivia wants to either work with a women’s collegiate volleyball team as a Certified Mental Performance Consultant or work with youth sports.
The Effects of Noise and Self-Talk on Serving Accuracy in Volleyball
Authors: Olivia Curtis, Dr. Tyler TowneStudent Major: Psychology
Mentor: Dr. Tyler Towne
Mentor's Department: Psychology Mentor's College: Florida State University Co-Presenters:
Abstract
Volleyball serving accuracy is a key skill in the sport, but auditory stimuli (noise) can distract players. In this study, I examine whether self-talk can protect against distraction caused by external noise and enhance serving accuracy. Self-talk has been widely researched and shown to aid in focus and improving performance in a variety of sports. In this study, I propose that the mechanism underlying such improvement involves reduction of a distraction typically caused by external auditory stimuli. Participants served to targets on a court under four conditions, one baseline, one with noise, one with self-talk, and one with noise and self-talk, to determine the interactions between noise, self-talk, and serving accuracy. The results could be used to help coaches and athletes refine techniques and potentially incorporate self-talk as a strategy for intermediate players to enhance focus and reduce the deleterious effects of noise.
Keywords: Self-talk, volleyball serving, accuracy