Arousal

Question 1

Arousal

Answer 1

A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform

Question 2

Optimal arousal

Answer 2

An energised state, a readiness to perform, a drive to achieve experienced by sports performers before, during and after exercise

Question 3

Drive theory

Answer 3

a theory that proposes a linear relationship between arousal and performance

Question 4

What does the Drive theory graph looks like

Answer 4

Is concerned with a proportional linear relationship between arousal and performance

Question 5

Equation used in the drive theory

Answer 5

Performance = Habit strength x Drive

Question 6

What does the Drive theory find/show

Answer 6

• Increased motivation equals increased drive
• At high arousal levels the dominant response is displayed (what performer thinks is correct)

Question 7

Autonomous (elite) performers in reference to the Drive theory

Answer 7

Sports person is aroused, the better their performance due to the dominant response being habitual and correct

Question 8

Cognitive (beginner) performers in reference to the Drive theory

Answer 8

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

Question 9

How will complex tasks be affected by dominant response

Answer 9

Lots to think about (subroutines) so ability to process information may be impaired and performer may miss cues.
= Performance more likely to deteriorate

Question 10

How will simple tasks be affected by dominant response

Answer 10

Doesn’t require lots of thinking, so normally the performer will perform better.
= Performance more likely to be enhanced

Question 11

Inverted U theory

Answer 11

A theory of arousal that considers that optimal level of arousal

Question 12

Inverted U theory diagram

Answer 12

Low Arousal = Low performance

Moderate/Optimum Arousal = High Performance (Optimum)

High Arousal = Low performance

Question 13

What 3 things can optimal arousal depend on

Answer 13

1. Type of skill
2. Stage of learning
3. Personality

Question 14

Autonomous performers related to Inverted U theory

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Cognitive performers related to Inverted U theory

Answer 15

May need to operate at lower levels under pressure

Dominant response = be incorrect

Question 16

Gross task in relation to Inverted U theory

Answer 16

Large muscle groups need high level of arousal

Question 17

Fine task in relation to Inverted U theory

Answer 17

Precise movements need low levels of arousal

Question 18

Complex task in relation to Inverted U theory

Answer 18

Decision making and ability to process large amounts of information so will need lower arousal levels

Question 19

Simple task in relation to Inverted U theory

Answer 19

Not many decisions and ability so can handle higher arousal levels

Question 20

Introvert performers related to Inverted U theory

Answer 20

Perform better at low levels of arousal. Have naturally high levels of adrenaline so don’t need much

Question 21

Extrovert performers related to Inverted U theory

Answer 21

Perform better with high arousal. Low levels of adrenaline and can tolerate more

Question 22

Zone of optimal functioning

Answer 22

• Band width
• Of optimal arousal
• Depends on mental practice and visualisation
• Effortless
• State of supreme confidence/calm under pressure

Question 23

Peak flow

Answer 23

• Being in the zone can lead to peak flow
• Timings, actions and movements appear to be perfect
• Ultimate intrinsic experience

Question 24

Factors affecting the peak flow experience

Answer 24

1. Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
2. Environmental influences such as the pressure from the crowd or the 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

Question 25

Catastrophe theory

Answer 25

A theory that predicts a rapid decline in performance resulting from the combination of high cognitive anxiety and increasing somatic anxiety

Question 26

Catastrophe theory diagram

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Catastrophe theory overview

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Is High somatic anxiety alone good or bad for performance

Answer 28

Good

Question 29

Is High somatic anxiety and High cognitive anxiety good or bad for performance

Answer 29

Bad- sudden decline in performance

Question 30

Is High cognitive anxiety alone, good or bad for performance

Answer 30

Good

Question 31

Somatic anxiety

Answer 31

Psychological (worry)

Question 32

Cognitive anxiety

Answer 32

physiological (sweating/heart rate)