AROUSAL

Question 1

what is arousal

Answer 1

a readiness to perform, a drive to achieve
ranges from
sleep like - very high excitement

Question 2

drive theory

Answer 2

as arousal increases, so does performance
p = f(D*H)
performance is said to be a function of drive multiplied by habit
increased motivation causes increased drive
the more drive we have, the more chance of an increased performance as more effort will be put in

Question 3

drive theory - the dominant response

Answer 3

dominant response - the stand out response that the performer thinks is correct
increased drive doe not always mean improved performance
at high arousal, less information is processed and performer tends to focus on dominant response
well learned = performance improves
not well learned = poor performance

Question 4

the inverted-U theory

Answer 4

increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point (usually a moderate level of arousal)
after this point, further arousal leads to decline in performance
experience - novice or expert
personality - extrovert or introvert
skill - gross/fine or simple/complex

Question 5

what is RAS

Answer 5

reticular activating system
controls adrenaline in the body
low level of activation in extroverts so can tolerate high levels of arousal
introverts have high levels of adrenaline and therefore perform best at low arousal

Question 6

catastrophe theory

Answer 6

increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond this point
causes: somatic , cognitive
if the initial cause of the anxiety is mild and performer has time to recover, they may gradually return to optimal
often the performer fails to control their arousal and then starts to panic, causing further increase in arousal and a further decline in performance

Question 7

zone of optimal functioning

Answer 7

area of controlled arousal and high level performance
optimal arousal for maximum confidence and control is when you are in the zone
individuals zones can vary but is in a bandwidth rather than a point
to be in the zone, performers use techniques such as mental rehearsal, relaxation, visualization and positive self talk
peak experience:
things seem to flow effortlessly
state of supreme confidence and remains calm under pressure
total control of actions and totally focused on the activity
this results in high level performance (peak)

Question 8

peak flow experience

Answer 8

ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency
subconscious feeling of control
extreme focus
positive mental attitude
low anxiety
confidence in preparation and fitness levels
belief that optimum environment conditions are here at the time f the event

Question 9

factors effecting peak flow experience

Answer 9

1. poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimum levels of arousal
2. environmental influences such as the pressure from the crowd or frustration caused by a referee
3. the effect of injury and fatigue during the game will also stop the player from keeping up with the flow experience