Ernst, R.B. (2024) Conflict in Motion: How do Individuals Perceive Agency in a Physical Conflict Interaction? Master thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Violence is a prevalent societal issue that is hard to study. Even more controlled forms of physical conflict interactions, like martial arts, still leave scholars questioning what is truly happening to individuals within a fighting scenario on a psychological level. This study attempted to shed light on the unique psychological experiences of experienced martial artists, due to the lack of knowledge in the field of combative joint action. More specifically, we were interested in seeing how a martial artist’s perception of agency is related to that of their opponent. Due to the findings of previous papers, we hypothesized that a fighter’s perception of agency is inversely linked to their opponent’s perception of agency. Thus, we conducted an ecologically valid study where 11 dyads of martial artists engaged in a two-minute sparring session. Afterwards, they indicated their perception of agency, whilst rewatching the footage of their fight. Two methods of analysis were applied, and the results provided mixed support for our hypothesis. In the first method, the graphs of six out of 11 dyads illustrated instances where inverse relationships between the two participants’ agency trajectories are visible. The second method, on the other hand, provided no evidence to suggest an inverse relationship. Future research should further test the relationship between agency, coordination and the perception and utilization of affordances. Breakthroughs in this field could lead to the improvement of self-defence techniques as well as better training techniques for martial artists. Keywords: martial arts, agency, coordination, affordances, ecological validity
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Cuijpers, L.S. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Talent Development and Creativity (TDC) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 28 Apr 2025 12:32 |
| Last Modified: | 28 Apr 2025 12:32 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4850 |
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