Arousal (Drive theory)

Question 1

Define arousal

Answer 1

A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform

Question 2

What is the drive theory?

Answer 2

Based on the assumption that increased motivation causes increased drive
This theory suggests that as arousal increases, so does performance in a linear fashion

Question 3

What is the drive theory formula?

Answer 3

P = f (D x H)
Performance is a function of drive multiplied by habit

Question 4

What is dominant response?

Answer 4

The stand-out response that the performer thinks is correct

Question 5

When does the performer only concentrate on the dominant response?

Answer 5

At levels of high arousal, less information is processed therefore the performer tends to concentrate on the dominant response

Question 6

However, increased drive does not always mean what?

Answer 6

Increased drive does not always improve performance - it is unrealistic to suggest that performance always keep improving

Question 7

What would an autonomous performer’s dominant response be like?

Answer 7

• Dominant response is usually correct
• Performance levels remain high
• Works well under high levels of arousal
  This theory does not account for elite performers deteriorating under pressure

Question 8

What would a cognitive performer’s dominant response be like?

Answer 8

• Dominant response may not be developed, so they will choose the wrong option
• Probability of poor performance increases
• Does not work well under high levels of arousal

Question 9

What would a performer’s dominant response for a simple task be like?

Answer 9

• Does not require much thinking, therefore can be performed at high levels of arousal
• Dominant response likely to be correct

Question 10

What would a performer’s dominant response for a complex task be like?

Answer 10

• Performance may be impaired because there is a lot of information to process
• At high levels of arousal, the ability to process information reduces and some important cues may be missed
• Dominant response likely to be wrong option

Question 11

What are the limitations of the drive theory?

Answer 11

• Doesn’t recognise that over arousal can diminish performance quality
• Too simplistic - doesn’t account for different people’s psychology or different sports