Experience, skill and focus of attention as predictors of performance under pressure

This study investigated whether skill level, experience and attentional focus to the task or environmental stimuli would moderate the effects of pressure on putting performance. 120 golfers were instructed to try to sink a 10-foot putt after taking 5 practice putts. In the control condition, golfers were offered a cash incentive regardless of their performance on the final putt. Golfers in the 2 experimental conditions were offered the cash incentive either for sinking the final putt or putting the ball closer than his/her competitors. When attentional focus was directed to the task, skilled putters decreased their chance of sinking the final putt whereas less skilled putters increased their chance. Findings suggest that Master's (1992) Conscious Processing Hypothesis may only apply to skilled athletes.