Arousal And Anxiety

Question 1

Fazey and hardy aim:

Answer 1

Identify limitations with the inverted U theory of arousal and performance, making use of the distinction between semantic and cognitive anxiety

Finally to propose an alternative to invented u theory

Question 2

Method:

Answer 2

Paper began with problems found with inverted U
These were categorised under the 3 headings: difficulties with basic ideas, difficulties with evidence, difficulties with applications

Question 3

Zeemans model:

Answer 3

When disc is turned, rubber bands are stretched until certain point where tension is relapsed and disc jumps forward

Represents relationship between stress and performance

Question 4

Results of F+H:

Answer 4

Difficulty with basic ideas- inverted u doesn’t explain important relationship between anxiety and performance

Evidence- lack of evidence for stress and performance relation

Applying model- inverted u predicts that when stress exceeds optimum, performance will decline and reducing stress will slightly bring back to optimum- limited applications

Question 5

Conclusions of F+H:

Answer 5

Arousal and anxiety (cognitive and semantic anxiety) is better explained by catastrophe model

Question 6

Biofeedback:

Answer 6

Allows ppl to monitor their own health and gain feedback about the effects of certain behaviours allows them to modify behaviour through positive reinforcement

Question 7

What is EMG?

Answer 7

Electromyography which measures electrical activity in muscles

Question 8

What is GSR?

Answer 8

Galvanic skin response which measures sweatiness of skin

Question 9

Biofeedback: De Witt (1980)

Answer 9

American footballer who had anxiety when performing. Reduced his anxiety by relaxation techniques and use of EMG meter which showed his anxiety reducing

Question 10

CBT

Answer 10

Help anxiety
Change thinking patterns
Puig and Punmell- 3 aspects of assessment:

What triggers it?
Have past experiences caused it?
Is something continuing to cause it- pressure from coach?

Question 11

Usefulness of F and H:

Answer 11

Use of biofeedback- Lagos and the golfer who after 10 sessions of using HR variability, reduced anxiety and achieved personal best

Question 12

Reductionism/ holism

Answer 12

Reductionist: tends to reduce complex aspect of mind and behaviour
Inverted u theory- doenst look at anxiety
Biofeedback- only focuses on bodily affects of anxiety

Holistic:
Catastrophe model
CBT

Question 13

Individual/ situational:

Answer 13

Individual- relationship between performance, anxiety and arousal

Situational- CBT