Arousal Flashcards
What is arousal?
An energised state, a readiness to perform.
Which theory is linear, explained by the formula P = f(D x H)?
Drive theory (Hull 1943)
What does P = f(D x H) stand for?
Performance = drive x habit strength
Which theory talks about the dominant response?
Drive theory (Hull 1943)
What is the inverted U theory?
The theory that links arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal.
What is the best area to be in according to the inverted U theory?
The zone of optimal function
What is the zone of optimal functioning?
An area of controlled arousal and high performance.
What are the problems with the inverted U theory?
• Optimal arousal may not always occur at the mid-point of the curve
• One curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks
What is the catastrophe theory?
The theory suggesting that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal.
What causes the sudden drop in performance according to the catastrophe theory?
Muscular tension, increased heart rate, loss of concentration, and fear about performance.
What is attentional wastage?
It’s when a performer’s concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. Can damage performance especially in novices.
What is attentional narrowing?
It’s when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore others. Linked to dominant response.
What is social loafing?
When individual loss of motivation in a team player due to a lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised.
What is the Ringelman effect?
When a team’s performance decreases with group size.
What is peak flow performance?
The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency.
