Arousal

Question 1

What are the 3 arousal theories affecting optimal arousal?

Answer 1

• Drive theory
• Inverted U theory
• Zone of optimal functioning

Question 2

What is the drive reduction theory?

Answer 2

• Performers have a drive to learn a new skill and this drive means they will practice the skill untill its mastered
• Success lowers motivation so they no longer practice the skill and may discontinue participation
• A new goal needs to be set to maintain motivation

Question 3

Give details on the drive theory…

Answer 3

• As arousal increases so does the likelihood of dominant response/habit (linear line)
• As arousal increases so does performance
• If the performer is well experienced, or if using a gross or simple skill, the response is likely to be correct
• VICE VERSA
• Experienced players perform better with higher levels of arousal and require higher levels of arousal
• Novice players perform better with lower levels of arousal

Question 4

Give details on the inverted U theory…

Answer 4

• As arousal increases so does performance but only to a certain level
• Optimal arousal occurs at moderate levels
• Personality of the performer differs optimal level (extroverts need higher levels of arousal/intros need lower levels of arousal)
• Nature of the task (complex with lots of decision or fine skills need lower levels of arousal/simple with little decisions or gross skills need more)
• Skill of performer (novice need lower levels of arousal/experienced need higher levels)
• Under aroused = are not stimulated enough and their attention is too broad, so they miss the correct environmental cues –> info overload
• Over aroused = highly agitated state experiencing panic. Attention is too narrowed causing them to miss correct cues

Question 5

What is the catastrophe theory?

Answer 5

Where there is a sudden drop in performance when arousal levels go over the optimum level as a result of a combination of high somatic and cognitive anxiety
- unable to make correct decisions and looses focus

Question 6

What is peak flow experience?

Answer 6

• positive psychological state of performers when they have a clear goal, the challenge matches their skill level, control of their arousal
• If a performer is faced with a challenge that is too hard, it will result in anxiety/too easy = no motivation
• Need to enter the ‘zone’

Question 7

Give details on Hanin’s zone of optimal functioning

Answer 7

• Some have a wider range of optimum arousal levels/different band width of optimal arousal
• someone with low ZOF (introvert) doesn’t need very high levels to achieve best performance
• someone with moderate ZOF could be someone who requires a certain level of arousal
• someone who has a high ZOF (extrovert) and requires high level of arousal
  When in the zone = calm, autopilot, fully concentrated