3 . Arousal Flashcards
Arousal
a level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform
When is arousal experienced?
by sports performers before and during competition. Arousal is always present when playing sport
Why is arousal important ?
to give competitors some drive and enthusiasm , but too much can cause problems
Factors that may increase arousal
- increase the level of competition
- effect of audience
- if performer is being scouted
- frustrating circumstance e.g not playing well
Drive Theory
as arousal increases so does performance
displayed by the formula P=f(DxH)
What does the drive theory formula stand for ?
P=f(DxH)
performance is a function of drive multiplied by habit
Why is more drive beneficial ?
the more drive we have , the more chances of an increase in performance because it is likely more effort will be put into the performance
What graph represents the drive theory ?
Linear
an increase in drive results In a proportionally increased performance
Dominant Response
The stand-out response that the performer thinks is correct
What happens at high arousal ?
we pick up less information (attentional narrowing) and focus on the dominant response
Dominant response in experts
usually correct and performance levels remain high
Dominant response in beginners (novice)
may not be developed so the beginner may choose the wrong option and the probability of poor performance increases
the Zone of Optimal Functioning (ZOF)
area of controlled arousal at high performance
Inverted-u Theory
theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal
impact of over and under arousal on performance
both can be equally as bad
the optimum level of arousal
this can vary depending on the skill level, personality of the performer and the task being undertaken
Why does experience affect optimum levels of arousal ?
experienced (expert) players are used to dealing with pressure and can deal with tasks effectively even if they have limited information. The dominant response of an expert is likely to be correct so can produce a high level of performance at high arousal
a beginner might need to operate at a low level of arousal since they would be uncomfortable under pressure
Why does personality affect optimum levels of arousal ?
extroverts may perform happily at high arousal, introverts would prefer to perform at low arousal. As extroverts can tolerate extra adrenaline , introverts are said to have naturally high levels of adrenaline and therefore would perform best at low arousal.
Why does the task (complex or simple , gross or fine) affect optimum levels of arousal ?
at low arousal fine and complex skills are performed best because they require more control and decision making.
at high arousal gross and simple skills are performed best because they need less control and decision making .
Problems with Inverted-u theory
- one curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks
- critics question if optimal arousal always occurs at the mid point of the curve
Catastrophe Theory
theory suggesting that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal
causes of catastrophe theory
a combination of both somatic (increased HR) and cognitive (loss of concentration , fear) anxieties
Can a player recover from Catastrophe theory
can only recover if initial anxiety is low and there is time available. Player may fail to control their arousal and start to panic a little , causing further increases in arousal, which decreases performance more .
impact of under arousal in sport
- poor selective attention / cues missed
- lack of concentration / focus
- social loafing
- Ringleman effect
- slower decision making / poor reaction time
- attentional wastage
- attentional narrowing
- failed to reach zone of optimal functioning / peak flow experience
impact of over arousal in sport
- poor selective attention / cues missed
- lack of concentration / focus
- slower decision making / poor reaction time
- attentional wastage
- attentional narrowing
- violence
- break rules
- failed to reach zone of optimal functioning / peak flow experience
attentional wastage
performers concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. can damages performance especially in novices
attentional narrowing
occurs when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore others. Linked to dominant response
social loafing
individual loss of motivation of a team player as they feel their contribution is less noticeable or less important when working in a group than working alone
Ringleman effect
when a teams performance decreases with group size
Max Ringleman, found that people pulled less force on a rope when working in a group then when working alone
What is the ZOF according to Hanin ?
athletes perform best not at a point (Inverted-U theory) but in an area or ‘zone’ that iOS reached by advanced cognitive techniques such as imagery, visualisation, mental practice, relaxation and positive self-talk.
the zone is an adapted version of the inverted-u
What would the Zone feel like ?
- things flows effortlessly
- performer reaches a state of supreme confidence and remains calm under the utmost pressure.
- athlete feels in total control of their actions and totally focused on the activity
- results in a smooth , effortless performance at the highest level
not done ….
