🔵 6.1 Psychological Influences on the Individual: Arousal Flashcards
Arousal
A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform
True of false? Arousal is always present when playing sport
True
Examples of factors which may increase arousal
- increase level of competition (e,g cup final)
- effect of audience
- if performer is being scouted
- frustrated circumstances (e,g not playing well)
Drive theory
The theory that if arousal increases, so does performance
Equation for drive theory
P = f(DxH)
Performance is a function of drive multiplied by habit
According to the drive theory, why does an increase in arousal mean an increase in performance levels
Because the more arousal, the more effort put into the performance resulting in an increase in performance levels
Dominant response
The stand out response that a performer thinks is correct
Why might high arousal mean that performance levels drop?
Because at high arousal, less information is processed and the performer tends to focus on the dominant response, the response thought to be correct
Why should a beginner avoid high arousal
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
Why for an advanced performer may high arousal be appropriate
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
In an exam, when asked a question about the drive theory, what 2 components should be included in response
1 - equation of drive theory (performance = f(dxh))
2 - link between drive theory and dominant response
Why may arousal levels for complex and simple skills differ
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
Inverted U theory
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)
Arguements towards the inverted u theory
- 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
Why does optimum levels of arousal for performance differ for extroverts and introverts
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
Gross skill and what level of arousal best suits
It is a skill that requires large muscle group movement. Therefore, it requires high arousal to be performed
Fine skill and what level of arousal most suits
Skill with precise control needed, low arousal suited best
What is the catastrophe theory
Theory suggesting that an increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but after that there is a dramatic reduction in performance
What causes a dramatic reduction in performance according to the catastrophe theory
Somatic anxiety = physiological anxiety (muscular tension and increased HR)
Cognitive anxiety = psychological anxiety (loss of concentration and worry about performance)
What is meant by the zone of optimal functioning
Best level or arousal for maximum confidence and control of sport
Zone
Area of controlled arousal and high level performance
How do some players differ in zone
Some players find their zone at low arousal however some find at mid or high
Methods to find their zone
- mental practice
- relaxation
- visualisation
- positive self talk
Things athletes experience in the zone
- 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
What can occur as a result of a smooth effortless peripformande at highest level
Peak flow experience
Peak flow
Ultimate intrinsic experience felt my athletes from a positive mental attitude with supreme confidence, focus and efficieny
Characteristics of peak flow experience
Belief in ability to complete the challenge, clear goals, total focus, effortless movement, subconscious feeling of control
How is the development of the flow experience promoted
By intrinsic motives, positive mental attitude, high confidence, relaxation and anxiety control
Factors affecting peak flow
- poor mental prep and fail to reach optimal arousal
- environmental influences such as pressure from crowd or ref decision
- effect of injury or fatigue
Attentional wastage
Performer concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues
Social loafing
Individual loss of motivation in a team player due to a lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised
Attentional narrowing
Performer is aroused so they focus on specific cues and ignore others
Ringleman effect
When performance decreases as group size increases
