Arousal

Question 1

What are the 3 main theories of arousal

Answer 1

1) Drive theory

2) Inverted U theory

3) Catastrophe theory

Question 2

What is the arousal performance relationship for the drive theory

Answer 2

As arousal increases, so does the performance of the desired response

Question 3

Drive theory

High arousal = high performance if:

Answer 3

Arousal level is high -> as motor programmes will be well learned

Task type is gross and simple

E.g. an elite football player scores penalty

Question 4

Drive theory

High arousal = low performance if:

Answer 4

Arousal level is low -> as motor programmes wont be learned as well

Task type is fine and complex

E.g. a novice footballer missed a penalty

Question 5

What are 2 criticisms of the drive theory

Answer 5

1) Fluctuations in performance for elite players under high arousal

2) Disregards the impact of over arousal for elite performers

Question 6

What is the arousal performance relationship for the inverted U theory

Answer 6

• As arousal increases, so does performance up to an optimal mid point
• If arousal continues to rise above this point, there will be a gradual decline in performance

Question 7

Inverted U theory

Optimal arousal is not always at a moderate level. 3 variables will dictate whether high or low arousal will optimise performance. What are they?

Answer 7

PAT

Personality -> Introvert, low arousal optimises performance due to hyper sensitive reticular activation (RAS) and vice versa for extrovert

Ability -> High ability, high arousal optimises performance due to well learned motor programme and vice versa

Task Type -> Gross and simple, high arousal optimises performance due to low decision making intricacy and vice versa

Question 8

What is the arousal performance relationship for the catastrophe theory

Answer 8

As arousal increases, so too does performance up to an optimal mid point. Continues rise in arousal leads to an extreme decline in performance

Question 9

What causes an extreme decline in performance in the catastrophe theory and how can it be recovered?

Answer 9

When high cognitive anxiety (fear of failure) coincides with high somatic anxiety (high HR / breathing rate)

If arousal can be lowered, performance can be increased again