Arousal Flashcards
Define arousal
The state of readiness. Arousal is our level of alertness/ readiness to perform our activity.
What are theories of arousal?
Drive theory
Inverted U theory
Catastrophe theory
Peak flow experience
Define the Drive theory
As arousal increases, performance increases in a linear relationship.
Is Drive theory more positive from beginners or elite athletes?
When an elite the performer is aroused the better their performance is due to the dominant response being chosen which is correct.
Beginner is aroused in dominant response which may be incorrect & high level or arousal can cause deterioration in performance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Drive Theory.
+ves
- True for elite athletes
- True for gross/simple skills such as a javelin throw.
-ves
- Doesn’t apply to beginners, increasing arousal leads to performing previously learnt skill which is incorrect.
- Even pro choke in highly charged situations.
Define the inverted U theory:
As arousal increases so does performance but only up to optimal level or arousal.
If arousal increases beyond optimal level, performance will decrease.
What is a practical example of the inverted U theory:
A footballer has reached optimal level of arousal and now performance will slowly decrease leading to missed tackles or inaccurate passes.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Inverted U Theory.
+ves
- It accurately explains why we often see more mistakes a high arousal levels. (above optimum)
-ves
- After optimum level is reached we often see a rapid decrease in performance ( which catastrophe theory states)
- Too simplistic
Define the Catastrophe theory:
As arousal increases performance does but only up to optimal level. Once reached above the optimum level there is a massive decline.
Give a practical example of the Catastrophe Theory.
A 2 foot tackle in football which leads to a red card caused by extreme levels of arousal as they get sent off they are now unable to perform resulting in a rapid decrease.
Advantages and disadvantages of the Catastrophe Theory.
+ves
Explains we often see a sudden drop in performance rather than a slow decline.
Explains performance can increase again if arousal is controlled.
-ves
not all performers have a sudden drop in performance some are over time ( Inverted U).
Some elite athletes may be able to regain optimal level of performance.
What is peak flow experience?
Achieving optimal arousal level which results in optimal performance.
Many top athletes describe this feeling as ‘nothing can go wrong’.
This is called ‘in the zone’ only performance matters.
What is Drive reduction?
Individuals may be motivated to complete a task, which can be seen as a drive.
When the drive has been fulfilled, it is then reduced.
- If a performer is performing their best they may lose the drive to do better.
- The drive may reduce with decreased motivation leading to drive reduction.
