arousal Flashcards
1
Q
what is arousal
A
- a level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform
2
Q
what is arousal drive theory
A
- a theory of arousal, that proposes a linear relationship between arousal and performance as arousal increases so does the quality of the performance.
3
Q
what are the problems with drive theory
A
- the habitual behaviour/ dominant response is not always the correct one
- by increasing drive performers often resort to previously learned skills because they are dominant but may be incorrect.
- even highly skilled players choke in highly charged situations
4
Q
what is dominant response
A
the standout response that performers thinks are correct.
5
Q
what are the characteristics of dominant response
A
- Suggest that when we are highly aroused less information is processed and there for the response tends to be what would be described as the ‘dominant response’.
- For example when a beginner is highly aroused they are more likely to make a mistake as they are unaware as to what the correct response (‘dominant response’) is thus causing a reduction in their performance.
6
Q
what is the inverted U - theory
A
the theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal
7
Q
what is catastrophe theory
A
- a theory that predicts a rapid decline in performance resulting from the combination of high cognitive anxiety and increasing from the combination of high cognitive anxiety and increasing somatic anxiety.
8
Q
what is the zone of optimal functioning
A
the area between the upper and lower levels of arousal within which optimal performances take place
9
Q
what is peak flow
A
an optimal experience that facilitates the best performance and is is an intrinsically valuable experience.
10
Q
what are the characteristics of catastrophe theory
A
- It suggests that when a performer becomes over aroused there isn’t a slow decline in performance there is a sudden drop off in performance.
- It is more a model than a theory because it tries to predict human behaviour rather than explain it.
- Physiological arousal is related to performance in an inverted u fashion when the athlete is not worried or has low cognitive anxiety state anxiety.
- If cognitive anxiety Is high, the increases in arousal and a rapid decline in performance occurs (catastrophe).
11
Q
A
