arousal in sport

Question 1

define arousal:

Answer 1

arousal is an energised state, a readiness to perform and a drive to achieve

Question 2

what is arousal?

Answer 2

a state of activation experienced by sports performers before and during competition

Question 3

what is drive theory?

Answer 3

based on the assumption that increased motivation causes increased drive

Question 4

what happens when we have high levels of drive?

Answer 4

there is a higher chance of an increase in performance levels as it will be more likely more effort will be put into performance

Question 5

what type of graph does drive theory create?

Answer 5

a linear graph

Question 6

what is the formula for drive theory?

Answer 6

p=f(dxh)

Question 7

what is dominant response?

Answer 7

the stand-out response that the performer thinks is correct

Question 8

how does high arousal affect a performer?

Answer 8

less information is processed so performer can focus on dominant response

Question 9

what type of performer does dominant response affect more positively?

Answer 9

elite performers
dominant response may not be developed by beginners - they may choose the wrong option

Question 10

what happens if the task is complex?

Answer 10

performance may be impaired as there is a lot of info to process
at high arousal the ability to process info is reduced & important cues may be ignored

Question 11

define the inverted u theory:

Answer 11

as drive and arousal increase so does performance but only until an optimal point then performance decreases

Question 12

what can impact optimum level of arousal?

Answer 12

the standard level of the performer

Question 13

differences between expert and novices optimum arousal levels?

Answer 13

experienced players: are used to dealing with pressure & dominant response is usually correct
beginners: may need to operate at lower levels of arousal as they will be uncomfortable under pressure

Question 14

how does personality affect optimum arousal levels?

Answer 14

extrovert: may happily perform at high pressure
introverts: prefer to perform at low arousal
due to reticular activating system (RAS) - controls and measures adrenaline levels in the body

Question 15

how does the type of skill affect optimal arousal levels? (gross/fine)

Answer 15

gross skills: large muscle groups used at high arousal
fine skills: finer muscle movements and high arousal not needed as much

Question 16

how does the type of skill affect optimal arousal levels? (simple/complex)

Answer 16

complex skill: lots of decision making & process lots of info so performer needs low arousal
simple skill: less decision making so high arousal

Question 17

define catastrophe theory:

Answer 17

an adaptation of the inverted theory suggesting that arousal increases until an optimum but there is a sudden decline rather than gradual decrease

Question 18

what causes the sudden decline of performance?

Answer 18

a combination of somatic and cognitive anxiety

Question 19

define the zone of optimal functioning:

Answer 19

rather than a point of optimal arousal and that each performer finds their zone at different levels (low/moderate/high arousal)

Question 20

how can the zone of optimal functioning be reached?

Answer 20

individual performers can find their own techniques
e.g. mental practice, relaxation etc

Question 21

what happens whilst in the zone of optimal functioning:

Answer 21

1) things seem to flow smoothly
2) performer reaches supreme confidence & remains calm
3) athlete is in total control of actions & focused on activity

Question 22

define the peak flow experience:

Answer 22

peak flow is an extension of feelings and performance levels experienced in the zone

Question 23

when does the peak flow experience occur?

Answer 23

when timing, action & movement appear perfect

Question 24

what is peak flow promoted by?

Answer 24

intrinsic motives which come from a positive mental attitude, high levels of confidence, feelings of relaxation & anxiety control

Question 25

what happens during peak flow?

Answer 25

performer has total focus on the task & high level of confidence during preparation & fitness levels

Question 26

what happens in regards to peak flow in team sport events?

Answer 26

players may have a shared purpose and balanced emotions even during games where there is high stakes

Question 27

factors affecting the peak flow:
(what can disrupt the peak flow)

Answer 27

1) poor mental preparation & failure to reach optimum arousal levels
2) environmental influences such as pressure from crowd/frustration from ref decision
3) effect of injury/fatigue during game