Arousal

Question 1

Drive theory

Answer 1

As arousal increases, so does performance.

Question 2

Drive theory formula

Answer 2

P = f (D x H)

Question 3

Dominant response

Answer 3

The stand out response that the performer thinks is correct. In novice performers, this is often not the case

Question 4

Inverted U theory

Answer 4

Theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal, then gradually starts to decrease.

Question 5

How does experience affect optimal arousal

Answer 5

As arousal increases, performers process less information and rely more on their dominant responses. In novices, dominant responses are far less likely to be correct.

Question 6

How does personality affect optimal arousal

Answer 6

Extroverts perform happily at high arousal where as introverts may prefer to perform at lower arousal.

Question 7

RAS (reticular activating system)

Answer 7

Controls and measures levels of adrenaline in the body. Suggests that extroverts have lower levels of activation and can therefore tolerate more arousal.

Question 8

How can the task affect optimal arousal

Answer 8

If the task is gross it can be performed using larger muscle groups and therefore may require more arousal. If the task is fine it requires less arousal (archery, darts)

Question 9

Catastrophe theory

Answer 9

Suggests that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point, however, there is a dramatic and often irrecoverable reduction in performance once arousal increases beyond the optimal point.

Question 10

Somatic anxiety

Answer 10

Physiological anxiety

Question 11

Cognitive anxiety

Answer 11

Psychological anxiety

Question 12

What is the cause of the drop in performance according to catastrophe theory

Answer 12

Somatic and cognitive anxiety

Question 13

What is the only way an athlete can recover from a slump in performance according to catastrophe theory

Answer 13

If initial anxiety is low and there is sufficient time

Question 14

Peak flow

Answer 14

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency. Characterised by total focus, effortless movement, the ability to complete the task and subconscious control

Question 15

3 factors affecting peak flow

Answer 15

1. Poor mental prep and failure to reach optimum arousal levels.
2. Environmental influences such as the pressure from the crowd or frustration caused by a referee decision.
3. The effect of injury or fatigue during the game will also stop the player keeping up with the flow experience.