Arousal (Inverted U and catastrophe theory) Flashcards
What is the inverted U theory?
A theory linking arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate arousal levels
When does optimal performance tend to be?
At moderate levels of arousal
What can happen to performance if arousal increases beyond optimal arousal?
Deterioration in performance
If there is an optimal point of arousal for performance, what can under and over arousal do to performance?
Both being under and over aroused can be equally bad for performance
What are the factors affecting the optimum level of arousal?
Experience, personality and the task
How does experience affect level of arousal for cognitive performers?
- 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
How does experience affect level of arousal for autonomous performers?
- 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
How can personality be a factor affecting arousal levels?
Introverts and extroverts will perform differently in different levels of arousal
How do extroverts perform in different levels of arousal?
- Operate at much higher levels of arousal to get best performance
- Have naturally low levels of activation and can tolerate any increases in arousal
How do introverts perform in different levels of arousal?
- Operate at much lower levels of arousal for best performance
- Have naturally high levels of adrenaline, therefore work better at low levels of arousal
What level of arousal is best for gross skills?
Tasks using large muscles groups can be performed at high levels of arousal, no need for precise control
What level of arousal is best for fine skills?
Tasks using the smaller muscle groups, which focus on precision and control will be better performed at lower levels of arousal
What level of arousal is best for simple skills?
Requires less decision making and therefore can be executed at high levels of arousal, it is habitual and repetitive
What level of arousal is best for complex skills?
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
What is the catastrophe theory?
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
Can the catastrophe theory include elite performers?
Yes
What is the catastrophe theory caused by?
Caused by high levels of both somatic and cognitive anxieties
What can a performer try to do if the catastrophe theory occurs?
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
What happens to a performer most of the time if the catastrophe theory occurs?
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
What is a sporting example of the catastrophe theory happening?
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
