6.3 Flashcards
Define arousal
A state of activation always experienced by sports performers before + during competition
Can arousal vary
Yes
Why is arousal important in sport
It gives performers drive
Causes of increased arousal in sport
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
The theories of arousal + performance
Drive, inverted-u, + catastrophe theories, zone of optimal functioning + peak flow experience
What drive theory states about the relationship between drive + performance levels
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)
What drive theory says happens at high levels of arousal
Performance stops improving Less info = processed + the performer concentrates on the dominant response
The dominant response of experts
Usually correct - maintains high performance levels
The dominant response of beginners
May not be developed - so may choose the wrong option - decreases performance levels
The dominant response for complex tasks
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
The dominant response for simple tasks
Maintains performance as there’s not lots of info to process e.g. a forward roll
Dominant response
The response which the performer believes to be correct
What the inverted-U theory states about the relationship between arousal + performance levels
Increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point + further increases in arousal cause performance to deteriorate (over-arousal)
What determines the optimal level of arousal in the inverted-U theory
The performer’s experience (novice or expert), personality (extrovert or introvert) + complexity of the task (simple or complex + gross or fine)
The optimal level of arousal for a novice
Low (due to not having developed a dominant response + uncomfortable under pressure)
The optimal level of arousal for an expert
High (due to dominant response + can deal with pressure)
The optimal level of arousal for an introvert
Low
The optimal level of arousal for an extrovert
High
Why optimal levels of arousal vary for different personalities
Extroverts have naturally lower levels of adrenaline than introverts do so they can tolerate increases in arousal but introverts can’t
The optimal level of arousal for a gross task
High (due to no need for precise control)
The optimal level of arousal for a fine task
Low (due to need for precise control)
The optimal level of arousal for a complex skill
Low - due to lots of info needing to be processed but can’t be under high arousal levels
The optimal level of arousal for a simple skill
High - due to less decision making
What Catastrophe theory suggests about the relationship between arousal + performance levels
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
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
A combo of somatic + cognitive anxieties
Somatic anxiety
Physiological anxiety e.g. muscle tension + increased HR
Cognitive anxiety
Psychological anxiety e.g. a loss of concentration + worries about performance
How performers can attempt to recover from the slump in catastrophe theory
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
The zone of optimal functioning
An area of optimal arousal which varies for different individuals
How achieving the zone of optimal functioning can be described
As the ultimate experience in sport
Techniques which performers can use to find their own zone
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
Characteristics of being in the zone of optimal functioning
It flows effortlessly The performer has supreme confidence + remains calm under any pressure The performer feels totally in control of their actions + totally focused
The characteristics of a performance when the performer experiences the zone of optimal functioning
A smooth, effortless + high level performance
What being in the zone of optimal functioning can lead to
The peak flow experience
Define the peak flow experience + 6 characteristics of it
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
Characteristics of the peak flow experience for team sports
A shared purpose + balanced emotions (even when there’s lot at stake)
Factors which can disrupt the peak flow experience
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
