arousal Flashcards
arousal
- A level of activation; a degree of readiness to perform.
- An energised state, a drive to achieve
- Experiences by sports performers before and after competition
- Always present when playing sport
- Levels of arousal can vary on a continuum, from being very low (almost sleep like) to very high levels of excitement
- Arousal is important to give competitors drive and enthusiasm, but too much can cause problems
- Increased arousal in sport can be caused by an increase in the level of competition, such as the approach of a major competition, the crowd or being watched by an expert.
hull’s drive theory
sports example - sprinting
- According to Drive Theory, an increase in drive results in a proportionally increased performance (linear).
- Performance is said to be a function of drive multiplied by habit p=f(DxH)
- As arousal increases so does performance
- Theory assumes that increased motivation causes increased drive
- The more drive we have, effort is likely to increase therefore performance is likely to increase.
drive and dominat response
hulls drive theory
- Dominant Response – the stand-out response that the performer thinks is correct.
- Unrealistic to think that performance always keeps improving.
- At high arousal, less information is processed and the performer tends to concentrate on the ‘dominant response’ (the response thought to be correct)
experts / autonomous learner
hull drive theory - dominant repsonse
Dominant response is usually correct and the performers levels remains high
beginners / cognitve learners
hull drive theory - dominant response
Correct domination response may not be developed so they may choose the wrong option - increases the chance of a decline in performance
complex skills
hull drive theory - dominant response
Lots of information to process - with higher levels of arousal, ability to process information is reduced and important cues could be missed
simple skills
hull drive theory - dominant response
Not as much information to process - can be performer well with higher levels of arousal (forward roll in gymnastics)
inverted u theory
sporting example - any teams sports
- Increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal.
- Performance is only improved to a certain point which tends to be at a moderate level of arousal.
- Further increases in arousal can cause performance to deteriorate
- Both over-arousal and under-arousal can be both equally bad for performance
- However, a moderate level of arousal might not work for everyone
- The optimum level of arousal can depend on the skill level and personality of the performer.
experience
inverted u theory
- Experienced players are used to dealing with pressure and can deal with tasks effectively, with limited information.
- Dominant response is likely to be produced
- Beginner may need to operate at a lower level of arousal as they would be uncomfortable under pressure
personality
inverted u theory
- Extroverts would perform happily at high levels of arousal.
- Extroverts are said to have naturally low levels of activation so can cope with this increase
- Introverts would prefer lower levels of arousal
- Naturally, they have higher levels of adrenaline therefore would perform better at a lower level of arousal.
catastrophe theory
- Suggests that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point.
- however , there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond that point
- Beyond the optimum level of arousal, performance will significantly drop. Hence the saying ‘over the edge’. This theory suggests it doesn’t happen on a smooth curve (Inverted U), but drastically.
- The cause of this reduction in performance is a combination of Somatic and Cognitive anxieties.
somatic anxiety
catastrophe theory
Physiological anxiety - can include muscular tension and increased heart rate
cogntive anxiety
catastrophe theory
Psychological anxiety - includes loss of concentration and worries about performance
redce anxiety
catasrophe theory
- If a player can reduce their anxiety and arousal, the performance may gradually improve and they may reach their optimal level of arousal once more.
- This can only work if the initial cause of anxiety is mild and the performer has time to recover
- Often , a performer can panic, causing further increases in arousal and further decline in performance
the zone of optimal functioning
- Area of controlled arousal and high level of performance.
- Suggested that an increase in arousal can improve performance and that the optimum level of arousal can vary depending on the individual.
- However , rather than a point of optimal arousal , this theory suggests for the best level of performance , optimal arousal should be in a ‘zone’
how to achieve optimal zone
zone of optimal functioning
- Mental practice
- Relaxation
- Visualisation
- Positive self talk
- Warming up before a game can be essential to achieving this goal.
what does the zone improve
zone of optimal functioning
- Skill seem to flow effortlessly
- Performer is confident and remains calm under pressure
- Athlete is in control of their actions and totally focused on the activity
- The result is a smooth, effortless performance. Being in the zone can lead to peak flow experiences…..
peak flow experience
- The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency.
- Happens when timing, action and movement appear to be perfect
- Characterised by a belief in the ability to complete the challenge, clear goals, total focus, effortless movement and a subconscious feeling of control.
- Promoted by intrinsic motives which come from positive mental attitude , high levels of confidence and feelings of relaxation
- During peak flow, the performer has total focus on aspects of the task, a high level of confidence in their preparations and fitness levels.
- The peak flow experience can be disrupted by:
- Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
- Environmental influences such as the pressure from the crowd or the frustration caused by a referee decision
- Effect of injury and fatigue during the game will also stop the player from keeping up with the flow experience.
