6.3 Arousal

Question 1

What is arousal

Answer 1

It is a level of somatic of cognitive simulation that gets us ready to perform

Question 2

Drive theory

Answer 2

• as arousal increases so does performance in a linear fashion
• at high arousal the performer resorts to their dominant response
• If performer in autonomous phase of learning, dominant response likely to be correct
• if performer in cognitive phase of learning, dominant response likely to be incorrect
• theory doesn’t account for elite performers deteriorating under pressure

Question 3

Inverted-U theory

Answer 3

• Accounts for how experience, personality and skills can impact success, however doesn’t account for dramatic decrease in performance once optimum level of arousal has been reached
  Inverted u suggests:
• Optimum arousal levels = ^ performance quality
• Over arousal = performance quality decreases
• under + over arousal can be detrimental to performance

Question 4

Inverted u theory in relation to experience, personality + skills

Answer 4

Optimum level of arousal can depend on personality+ type of skill performed.
Optimum performance = lower level of arousal in situations involving:
- cognitive performers
- introverts with high resting level of adrenaline
- fine skill that require high level of control
- complex skills with several decisions

Optimum performance = high levels of arousal in situations involving:
- autonomous performers
- extroverts with low resting levels of adrenaline
- gross skills with no control needed
- simple skills with few decisions

Question 5

Catastrophe theory

Answer 5

• accounts for sudden drop in performance once the optimum has been exceeded
• theory is multi-dimensional
• effects both somatic and cognitive
• after effects of inverted u theory there’s a dramatic decrease in performance as result of high somatic anxiety combined with high cognitive anxiety.
• effects can be reversed by relaxation techniques
• performer can continue to play providing they reach level of relaxation below point of catastrophe

Question 6

Hanin’s zone of optimum functioning

Answer 6

Suggests optimum performance is reached during a band or zone.
The ‘zone’ is a mental state that autonomous performers only reach once or twice in while career
Characteristics of zone:
- performing at optimum
- feeling calm
- attentional control
- performing in autopilot
- confident that success is inevitable
Performing smoothly, efficiently + effortlessly

Question 7

Peak flow experience

Answer 7

Describes ultimate positive psychological state for a performer. Rare + intense. Performer fully concentrated and has control over actions, seems effortless and may feel out of body.
Happens when performer:
- presented with challenge which matches their skill level
- clear goal
- correct attentional style
- positive attitude throughout
- control of arousal levels
Difficult to achieve peak flow. To do so performers should be given a task which is realistic yet which challenges at appropriate level. They then enter most rewarding psychological and physical state