Arousal - drive theory

Question 1

Define arousal

Answer 1

An energised state, a readiness to perform, and a drive to achieve!

Question 2

What is the basis of the drive theory?

Answer 2

Based on the assumption that increased motivation causes increased drive

Question 3

What does the drive theory suggest?

Answer 3

As arousal increases, so does performance in a linear fashion

Question 4

What is the formula associated with the drive theory?

Answer 4

P= f (D x H)

Question 5

What is performance a function of?

Answer 5

Performance is a function of drive multiplied by habit

Question 6

Define dominant response

Answer 6

The stand out response that the performer thinks is correct

Question 7

What occurs at high levels of arousal?

Answer 7

As less information is processed, the performer concentrates on the ‘dominant response’

Question 8

What is the difference in dominant response between an expert and a novice?

Answer 8

Autonomous = dominant response is correct and works well under high levels of arousal; therefore continues to have high performance levels
Cognitive = dominant response may not be developed, so probability of poor performance increases

Question 9

What is the difference in dominant response between a simple and complex task?

Answer 9

Simple = does not require much thinking therefore can be performed at high levels of arousal and dominant response is likely to be correct.
Complex = performance may be impaired due to lots of information to be processed - and the ability to process this reduces at high levels of arousal, therefore dominant response likely to be incorrect.

Question 10

Give two criticisms of the drive theory

Answer 10

• Doesn’t recognise that over arousal can diminish performance quality!
• Too simple - doesn’t account for different peoples psychology or different sports