Social activity of an athlete's personality: sociocultural research methodology

Relevance. The study of an athlete's personality primarily involves the study of its socio-cultural nature and structure. Despite the length of the scientific discourse regarding the essence and structure of personality, there is no unified approach in the context of the socio-cultural interpretation of this category in sports. However, each of the definitions of personality presented in scientific sources and supported by relevant research is important and should be taken into account when striving for the most complete understanding of personality. In turn, none of the methods can provide a complete description of an athlete. Each of them only reflects a separate aspect of his abilities, personal qualities and traits. Therefore, it is important to use all methods in combination to help coaches, practitioners and teachers in organizing educational work, training processes and an individual approach to teaching. The purpose is to characterize the general methodology and methods of studying the personality of an athlete in the context of socio–cultural knowledge. Objectives: to define the conceptual basis of the sociological study of the athlete's personality; to present methods for its study; to establish the directions of their application. Methodology: the methodological design of the study is based on the use of philosophical, sociocultural and pedagogical concepts and approaches. Results. The social activity of an athlete's personality is largely determined by how effectively sociocultural approaches are involved in its socialization. The desired result is possible with the use of the entire arsenal of tools, methods and special exercises. Conclusions. At the present stage of development of the sociology of sport, sociocultural methodology becomes decisive in studying various aspects of the formation and development of the athlete's personality. The scientific determinacy of using special methods of its study is associated with a specific result that must be achieved by an athlete in a particular sport. The complex use of methods of social diagnostics of personality is the main resource in organizing the practical activities of coaches and mentors.