6.3

Question 1

Define arousal

Answer 1

A state of activation always experienced by sports performers before + during competition

Question 2

Can arousal vary

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

Why is arousal important in sport

Answer 3

It gives performers drive

Question 4

Causes of increased arousal in sport

Answer 4

Increased level in competition e.g. the approach of a major event The presence of an audience - especially an expert audience Frustration e.g. not playing well

Question 5

The theories of arousal + performance

Answer 5

Drive, inverted-u, + catastrophe theories, zone of optimal functioning + peak flow experience

Question 6

What drive theory states about the relationship between drive + performance levels

Answer 6

Increased motivation, causes increased drive + increased performance levels - due to it being likely more effort will be put into performance Drive + performance increase in a linear fashion Performance = a function of (drive x habit) P=f(D x H)

Question 7

What drive theory says happens at high levels of arousal

Answer 7

Performance stops improving Less info = processed + the performer concentrates on the dominant response

Question 8

The dominant response of experts

Answer 8

Usually correct - maintains high performance levels

Question 9

The dominant response of beginners

Answer 9

May not be developed - so may choose the wrong option - decreases performance levels

Question 10

The dominant response for complex tasks

Answer 10

May impair performance due to lots of info having to be processed for complex tasks but can’t be processed under high arousal e.g. a dribble in hockey

Question 11

The dominant response for simple tasks

Answer 11

Maintains performance as there’s not lots of info to process e.g. a forward roll

Question 12

Dominant response

Answer 12

The response which the performer believes to be correct

Question 13

What the inverted-U theory states about the relationship between arousal + performance levels

Answer 13

Increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point + further increases in arousal cause performance to deteriorate (over-arousal)

Question 14

What determines the optimal level of arousal in the inverted-U theory

Answer 14

The performer’s experience (novice or expert), personality (extrovert or introvert) + complexity of the task (simple or complex + gross or fine)

Question 15

The optimal level of arousal for a novice

Answer 15

Low (due to not having developed a dominant response + uncomfortable under pressure)

Question 16

The optimal level of arousal for an expert

Answer 16

High (due to dominant response + can deal with pressure)

Question 17

The optimal level of arousal for an introvert

Answer 17

Low

Question 18

The optimal level of arousal for an extrovert

Answer 18

High

Question 19

Why optimal levels of arousal vary for different personalities

Answer 19

Extroverts have naturally lower levels of adrenaline than introverts do so they can tolerate increases in arousal but introverts can’t

Question 20

The optimal level of arousal for a gross task

Answer 20

High (due to no need for precise control)

Question 21

The optimal level of arousal for a fine task

Answer 21

Low (due to need for precise control)

Question 22

The optimal level of arousal for a complex skill

Answer 22

Low - due to lots of info needing to be processed but can’t be under high arousal levels

Question 23

The optimal level of arousal for a simple skill

Answer 23

High - due to less decision making

Question 24

What Catastrophe theory suggests about the relationship between arousal + performance levels

Answer 24

Increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there’s a dramatic reduction (slump) in performance levels if there are further increases in arousal

Question 25

Increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there's a dramatic reduction (slump) in performance levels if there are further increases in arousal

Answer 25

A combo of somatic + cognitive anxieties

Question 26

Somatic anxiety

Answer 26

Physiological anxiety e.g. muscle tension + increased HR

Question 27

Cognitive anxiety

Answer 27

Psychological anxiety e.g. a loss of concentration + worries about performance

Question 28

How performers can attempt to recover from the slump in catastrophe theory

Answer 28

By trying to regain control by reducing anxiety + arousal - only works if initial cause of anxiety = mild + if they have time to recover If they can't regain control - panic occurs + causes increased arousal + a decline in performance

Question 29

The zone of optimal functioning

Answer 29

An area of optimal arousal which varies for different individuals

Question 30

How achieving the zone of optimal functioning can be described

Answer 30

As the ultimate experience in sport

Question 31

Techniques which performers can use to find their own zone

Answer 31

Mental practice, relaxation, visualisation + positive self-talk which lead to high levels of confidence, low anxiety, feelings of relaxation + a positive mental attitude which promote intrinsic motives

Question 32

Characteristics of being in the zone of optimal functioning

Answer 32

It flows effortlessly The performer has supreme confidence + remains calm under any pressure The performer feels totally in control of their actions + totally focused

Question 33

The characteristics of a performance when the performer experiences the zone of optimal functioning

Answer 33

A smooth, effortless + high level performance

Question 34

What being in the zone of optimal functioning can lead to

Answer 34

The peak flow experience

Question 35

Define the peak flow experience + 6 characteristics of it

Answer 35

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by sports performers with a positive mental attitude where they have: supreme confidence (in their prep + fitness levels) total focus on aspects of the task efficiency belief in their ability to complete the challenge, effortless movement belief that they have optimal environmental conditions for their performance

Question 36

Characteristics of the peak flow experience for team sports

Answer 36

A shared purpose + balanced emotions (even when there's lot at stake)

Question 37

Factors which can disrupt the peak flow experience

Answer 37

Poor mental prep + failure to reach optimal arousal levels Environmental influences e.g. crowd pressure or frustration caused by an official's decision The effect of injury/fatigue during the performance