Arousal Flashcards
Arousal
A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform
Optimal arousal
An energised state, a readiness to perform, a drive to achieve experienced by sports performers before, during and after exercise
Drive theory
a theory that proposes a linear relationship between arousal and performance
What does the Drive theory graph looks like
Is concerned with a proportional linear relationship between arousal and performance
Equation used in the drive theory
Performance = Habit strength x Drive
What does the Drive theory find/show
- Increased motivation equals increased drive
- At high arousal levels the dominant response is displayed (what performer thinks is correct)
Autonomous (elite) performers in reference to the Drive theory
Sports person is aroused, the better their performance due to the dominant response being habitual and correct
Cognitive (beginner) performers in reference to the Drive theory
Sports person is aroused, the dominant response may be incorrect and high levels of arousal can cause a deterioration in performance. The skill is well learnt and often littered with mistakes
How will complex tasks be affected by dominant response
Lots to think about (subroutines) so ability to process information may be impaired and performer may miss cues.
= Performance more likely to deteriorate
How will simple tasks be affected by dominant response
Doesn’t require lots of thinking, so normally the performer will perform better.
= Performance more likely to be enhanced
Inverted U theory
A theory of arousal that considers that optimal level of arousal
Inverted U theory diagram
Low Arousal = Low performance
Moderate/Optimum Arousal = High Performance (Optimum)
High Arousal = Low performance
What 3 things can optimal arousal depend on
- Type of skill
- Stage of learning
- Personality
Autonomous performers related to Inverted U theory
Players are used to dealing with pressure and can deal with tasks more effectively
Dominant response = likely to be correct- perform a high levels of arousal
Cognitive performers related to Inverted U theory
May need to operate at lower levels under pressure
Dominant response = be incorrect
Gross task in relation to Inverted U theory
Large muscle groups need high level of arousal
Fine task in relation to Inverted U theory
Precise movements need low levels of arousal
Complex task in relation to Inverted U theory
Decision making and ability to process large amounts of information so will need lower arousal levels
Simple task in relation to Inverted U theory
Not many decisions and ability so can handle higher arousal levels
Introvert performers related to Inverted U theory
Perform better at low levels of arousal. Have naturally high levels of adrenaline so don’t need much
Extrovert performers related to Inverted U theory
Perform better with high arousal. Low levels of adrenaline and can tolerate more
Zone of optimal functioning
- Band width
- Of optimal arousal
- Depends on mental practice and visualisation
- Effortless
- State of supreme confidence/calm under pressure
Peak flow
- Being in the zone can lead to peak flow
- Timings, actions and movements appear to be perfect
- Ultimate intrinsic experience
Factors affecting the peak flow experience
- Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
- Environmental influences such as the pressure from the crowd or the frustration caused by a referee decision
- The effect of injury or fatigue during the game will also stop the player keeping up with the flow experience
Catastrophe theory
A theory that predicts a rapid decline in performance resulting from the combination of high cognitive anxiety and increasing somatic anxiety
Catastrophe theory diagram
A = cognitive anxiety is high somatic anxiety is low= enhanced performance
B = Cognitive anxiety is high. Somatic anxiety is high. Performance deteriorates (sudden dramatic decline)
C = Performance is still declining. Performer is unable to control anxiety
D = Performer can lower arousal they can slowly work back to optimal performance doest go to original immediately even though performer is trying to decrease arousal.
Catastrophe theory overview
Theory suggests that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal is beyond this optimal point
Is High somatic anxiety alone good or bad for performance
Good
Is High somatic anxiety and High cognitive anxiety good or bad for performance
Bad- sudden decline in performance
Is High cognitive anxiety alone, good or bad for performance
Good
Somatic anxiety
Psychological (worry)
Cognitive anxiety
physiological (sweating/heart rate)
