🔵 6.1 Psychological Influences on the Individual: Arousal

Question 1

Arousal

Answer 1

A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform

Question 2

True of false? Arousal is always present when playing sport

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Examples of factors which may increase arousal

Answer 3

• increase level of competition (e,g cup final)
• effect of audience
• if performer is being scouted
• frustrated circumstances (e,g not playing well)

Question 4

Drive theory

Answer 4

The theory that if arousal increases, so does performance

Question 5

Equation for drive theory

Answer 5

P = f(DxH)
Performance is a function of drive multiplied by habit

Question 6

According to the drive theory, why does an increase in arousal mean an increase in performance levels

Answer 6

Because the more arousal, the more effort put into the performance resulting in an increase in performance levels

Question 7

Dominant response

Answer 7

The stand out response that a performer thinks is correct

Question 8

Why might high arousal mean that performance levels drop?

Answer 8

Because at high arousal, less information is processed and the performer tends to focus on the dominant response, the response thought to be correct

Question 9

Why should a beginner avoid high arousal

Answer 9

Because less info is processed they will perform the dominant response, response thought to be correct. For a beginner, the dominant response may not be developed meaning that the beginner may choose the wrong option and the probability of a poor performance increases

Question 10

Why for an advanced performer may high arousal be appropriate

Answer 10

Because when at high arousal, the dominant response is performer because less information is processed. But for an advanced performer, the dominant response is developed so it may increase performance levels

Question 11

In an exam, when asked a question about the drive theory, what 2 components should be included in response

Answer 11

1 - equation of drive theory (performance = f(dxh))
2 - link between drive theory and dominant response

Question 12

Why may arousal levels for complex and simple skills differ

Answer 12

For a complex skill, high amounts of info must be processed meaning low arousal may be ideal. However, for a simple skill, low amounts of info must be processed so high arousal may be ideal

Question 13

Inverted U theory

Answer 13

Theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance up to an optimum point (which tends to be a moderate level of arousal)

Question 14

Arguements towards the inverted u theory

Answer 14

• a moderate level of arousal is not always the best for peak performance
• the optimum level of arousal can vary depending on the skill level

Question 15

Why does optimum levels of arousal for performance differ for extroverts and introverts

Answer 15

Extroverts perform happily at high arousal, introverts would prefer to perform at low arousal. This is because the reticular activating system (RAS) (which controls and measures the levels of adrenaline in the body) suggests that EXTROVERTS have naturally low levels of activation and can tolerate any increase in arousal, INTROVERTS are said to have naturally high levels of adrenaline therefore would perform best at low arousal

Question 16

Gross skill and what level of arousal best suits

Answer 16

It is a skill that requires large muscle group movement. Therefore, it requires high arousal to be performed

Question 17

Fine skill and what level of arousal most suits

Answer 17

Skill with precise control needed, low arousal suited best

Question 18

What is the catastrophe theory

Answer 18

Theory suggesting that an increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but after that there is a dramatic reduction in performance

Question 19

What causes a dramatic reduction in performance according to the catastrophe theory

Answer 19

Somatic anxiety = physiological anxiety (muscular tension and increased HR)
Cognitive anxiety = psychological anxiety (loss of concentration and worry about performance)

Question 20

What is meant by the zone of optimal functioning

Answer 20

Best level or arousal for maximum confidence and control of sport

Question 21

Zone

Answer 21

Area of controlled arousal and high level performance

Question 22

How do some players differ in zone

Answer 22

Some players find their zone at low arousal however some find at mid or high

Question 23

Methods to find their zone

Answer 23

• mental practice
• relaxation
• visualisation
• positive self talk

Question 24

Things athletes experience in the zone

Answer 24

• things seem to flow effortlessly
• performer reaches a state of supreme confidence and rema8ns calm under utmost pressure
• athlete feels they are in total control of their actions and totally focused on the activity

Question 25

What can occur as a result of a smooth effortless peripformande at highest level

Answer 25

Peak flow experience

Question 26

Peak flow

Answer 26

Ultimate intrinsic experience felt my athletes from a positive mental attitude with supreme confidence, focus and efficieny

Question 27

Characteristics of peak flow experience

Answer 27

Belief in ability to complete the challenge, clear goals, total focus, effortless movement, subconscious feeling of control

Question 28

How is the development of the flow experience promoted

Answer 28

By intrinsic motives, positive mental attitude, high confidence, relaxation and anxiety control

Question 29

Factors affecting peak flow

Answer 29

• poor mental prep and fail to reach optimal arousal
• environmental influences such as pressure from crowd or ref decision
• effect of injury or fatigue