Arousal (Inverted U and catastrophe theory)

Question 1

What is the inverted U theory?

Answer 1

A theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate arousal levels

Question 2

When does optimal performance tend to be?

Answer 2

At moderate levels of arousal

Question 3

What can happen to performance if arousal increases beyond optimal arousal?

Answer 3

Deterioration in performance

Question 4

If there is an optimal point of arousal for performance, what can under and over arousal do to performance?

Answer 4

Both being under and over aroused can be equally bad for performance

Question 5

What are the factors affecting the optimum level of arousal?

Answer 5

Experience, personality and the task

Question 6

How does experience affect level of arousal for cognitive performers?

Answer 6

• Don’t work well over pressure
• Dominant response is likely to be the wrong option
• Probability of poor performance increased
• Needs to operate at lower levels of arousal to not become too agitated and stay calm

Question 7

How does experience affect level of arousal for autonomous performers?

Answer 7

• Used to dealing with pressure, so can deal with tasks effectively, even if they operate with limited information
• Dominant response is likely to be correct
• High levels of performance at high levels of arousal

Question 8

How can personality be a factor affecting arousal levels?

Answer 8

Introverts and extroverts will perform differently in different levels of arousal

Question 9

How do extroverts perform in different levels of arousal?

Answer 9

• Operate at much higher levels of arousal to get best performance
• Have naturally low levels of activation and can tolerate any increases in arousal

Question 10

How do introverts perform in different levels of arousal?

Answer 10

• Operate at much lower levels of arousal for best performance
• Have naturally high levels of adrenaline, therefore work better at low levels of arousal

Question 11

What level of arousal is best for gross skills?

Answer 11

Tasks using large muscles groups can be performed at high levels of arousal, no need for precise control

Question 12

What level of arousal is best for fine skills?

Answer 12

Tasks using the smaller muscle groups, which focus on precision and control will be better performed at lower levels of arousal

Question 13

What level of arousal is best for simple skills?

Answer 13

Requires less decision making and therefore can be executed at high levels of arousal, it is habitual and repetitive

Question 14

What level of arousal is best for complex skills?

Answer 14

Involves decision making and the ability to process large amounts of information
- Information processing is reduced at higher levels of arousal, so the performer may need to work at lower levels or arousal to execute a complex skill

Question 15

What is the catastrophe theory?

Answer 15

Suggests that increased arousal causes performance to peak at an optimum level, but rather than gradual deterioration there is a sudden dramatic reduction in performance

Question 16

Can the catastrophe theory include elite performers?

Answer 16

Yes

Question 17

What is the catastrophe theory caused by?

Answer 17

Caused by high levels of both somatic and cognitive anxieties

Question 18

What can a performer try to do if the catastrophe theory occurs?

Answer 18

The player will try to regain control by reducing the anxieties and arousal (use of stress management techniques) BUT only if the initial cause of anxiety is mild and the performer has time to recover

Question 19

What happens to a performer most of the time if the catastrophe theory occurs?

Answer 19

The performer fails to control their arousal and then starts to panic, causing a further increase in arousal therefore causing a further reduction in performance

Question 20

What is a sporting example of the catastrophe theory happening?

Answer 20

in 2011 when Rory Mcllroy lost the masters in the final round whilst having a four-stroke lead at the start of the day. More shocking is that by the end of the day his round of golf was the worst final day score in Masters history