Arousal Flashcards
What is arousal in sports psychology?
Arousal refers to the level of alertness, wakefulness, and activation in an athlete.
True or False: Arousal can negatively impact performance if it is too low or too high.
True
What is the Inverted U theory?
The Inverted U theory suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal for peak performance, where too little or too much arousal can hinder performance.
What does the drive theory propose?
Drive theory posits that an athlete’s performance is directly related to their level of arousal; higher arousal leads to better performance.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following best describes the relationship between arousal and performance according to the Inverted U theory? (A) Linear (B) Inverted U-shaped (C) Exponential
B
What is the role of anxiety in relation to arousal?
Anxiety can increase arousal levels, but excessive anxiety can lead to decreased performance.
True or False: A high level of arousal is always beneficial for athletes.
False
What factors can influence an athlete’s level of arousal?
Factors include the nature of the sport, the athlete’s experience, and situational pressures.
Multiple Choice: Which theory suggests that performance improves with increased arousal only up to a certain point? (A) Drive theory (B) Inverted U theory (C) Catastrophe theory
B
What is the ‘zone of optimal functioning’?
It is the range of arousal levels in which an athlete performs at their best.
Fill in the blank: According to the drive theory, as arousal increases, performance improves for ______ tasks.
simple
What is the impact of over-arousal on performance?
Over-arousal can lead to anxiety, decreased focus, and impaired performance.
True or False: The optimal arousal level is the same for every athlete.
False
What does the term ‘catastrophe theory’ refer to?
Catastrophe theory suggests that performance can suddenly drop when arousal exceeds an optimal level, rather than gradually declining.
Multiple Choice: Which type of tasks typically require lower levels of arousal for optimal performance? (A) Complex tasks (B) Simple tasks (C) Endurance tasks
A