Arousal in sport Flashcards
Arousal definition
A level of activation, a degree of readiness to perform, a drive to achieve.
Who was the Drive Theory created by?
Clark Hull
Drive theory
- Performance is said to be the function of drive multiplied by habit
- Increased motivation causes increased drive
- Works in linear fashion
Drive theory and the dominant response
- increased drive doesn’t always improve performance
- less info is processed and more focus on dominant response
- dominant response in experts tends to be correct response
Critiques of drive theory and the dominant response (2)
- Doesn’t take into account other factors of arousal
- Doesn’t take into account mistakes
The inverted U theory was created by who?
Yerkes and Dodson
The inverted U theory
- arousal increases + performance increases but only up to optimal point
- over and under arousal can both be negative to performance
- aim is to get OPTIMAL AROUSAL levels
The optimum level of arousal can depend on…
(3)
- Experience
- Personality
- Task
The optimum level of arousal can depend on:
Experience
Expert or beginner
The optimum level of arousal can depend on:
Personality
Extrovert or introvert
The optimal level of arousal can depend on:
Task
Gross/fine or Complex/simple
Catastrophe theory was created by…
Rene Thom
What are the two types of anxiety involved in the catastrophe theory?
Cognitive and somatic
What’s cognitive anxiety?
- psychological
- includes;
Loss of concentration
Worries about performance
What’s somatic anxiety?
- physiological
- includes;
Muscular tension
Increased HR
Sweating
What does the catastrophe theory suggest?
Increased arousal causes performance to peak at an optimal level
Rather than gradual deterioration, there is a sudden dramatic reduction in performance
The zone of optimal functioning
- increased arousal can improve performance
- theres a zone for maximum control and confidence
What happens when you are in the zone of optimal functioning?
- things seem to flow effortlessly
- performer reaches a state of supreme confidence and remains calm under upmost pressure
- athlete feels they are in total control
Factors that affect peak flow experience
- poor mental preparation
- environmental influences such as pressure from the crowd or frustration caused by a ref/decision
- effect of injury or fatigue during a game
Intrinsic motives come from
(Peak flow experience)
Mental attitude
High levels of confidence
What is the peak flow experience?
The ultimate intrinsic experience, characterised by a belief in ability to;
Complete the challenge
Clear goals
Total focus
Effortless movement
Subconscious feeling of control
