arousal levels

Question 1

definition of aggression

Answer 1

a deliberate intent to harm/injure another person, it can be physical or mental

Question 2

definition of arousal

Answer 2

a physical and mental state of alertness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement

Question 3

describe the inverted U theory and the performance levels at different points

Answer 3

An optimal performance occurs when a performer reaches an optimum level of arousal. You are more likely to perform at your best when you are in the best possible physical and mental state. If the performer is under aroused, the performance level is low.
However, if the performer is over aroused, there is also a low performance level. The optimal performance occurs when there are optimal levels of arousal, at the mid point on the x-axis. (as arousal levels increase, performance levels increase until they pass the optimum arousal level)

Question 4

what is the definition of optimal point of arousal

Answer 4

the point of arousal on the inverted U graph that produces optimal performance

Question 5

where would a low arousal level be on the inverted U graph

Answer 5

on the left of the graph (end of inverted U overlapping with the beginning of the inverted U of a high arousal level)

Question 6

where would a high arousal level be on the inverted U graph

Answer 6

on the right (beginning of inverted U overlapping with the end of the inverted U of a low arousal level)

Question 7

will skills which involve speed or strength require a higher arousal level or a lower arousal level

Answer 7

higher arousal level e.g. sprinting and tackling in rugby

Question 8

will skills which require fine movements and complex skills (large amount of attention) require a lower arousal level or a higher arousal level

Answer 8

lower arousal level e.g. snooker shots and putting in golf

Question 9

describe the level of performance in an inverted U graph

Answer 9

•as arousal increases so does performance, up to an optimal point
•as arousal increases beyond the optimal level, performance decreases and injuries can occur to the performer or to others

Question 10

what is intrinsic motivation

Answer 10

the drive that comes from within (satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, self-worth)

Question 11

what is extrinsic motivation

Answer 11

the drive to perform well or to win in order to gain external rewards (prizes, money, praise)

Question 12

what is an example of intrinsic motivation

Answer 12

running for a personal best in a race

going to the gym to increase health/fitness

Question 13

give an example of an extrinsic motivation

Answer 13

running in a race to finish in the top 3 and win a medal

Question 14

what does the inverted U theory show

Answer 14

states that optimal performance occurs when a performance reaches optimal levels of arousal
(more likely to perform best when you’re in the best possible physical and mental state)

Question 15

what are the labels on the X axis and the Y axis on the inverted U graph

Answer 15

X axis - low (boredom), medium (optimal arousal), high (panic)
Y axis - (quality of) performance

Question 16

why would gross movement skills need high levels of arousal

Answer 16

because the mind and body needs to be more alert to ensure we have strength, endurance and speed

Question 17

why would fine movement skills need lower levels of arousal

Answer 17

because the mind and body needs to be calm to ensure coordination and concentration

Question 18

What stress management techniques exist

Answer 18

Deep breathing
Mental rehearsal, visualisation, imagery
Positive self talk

Question 19

what are deep breaths

Answer 19

Breathing control is a physical (physiological) process. This means it directly affects the body. The body and mind are linked, so breathing control also affects how an athlete feels. It affects their control of arousal.

When someone is anxious, they breathe from their upper chest. Breathing is rapid and shallow. Breathing control helps performance to breathe slowly and steadily from the diaphragm. This reduces anxiety. Performance can use different exercises to control their breathing.

Question 20

define aggression

Answer 20

A deliberate intent to harm or injure another person (it can be physical and mental)

Question 21

what are the types of aggression

Answer 21

Direct aggression
Indirect aggression

Question 22

Define direct aggression

Answer 22

Direct aggression is where there is physical contact between two or more performers. The person starting the aggression is known as the aggressor.

Question 23

Define indirect aggression

Answer 23

Indirect aggression is where there’s no physical contact between performers. The aggression is taken out on an object to gain a mental (psychological) advantage over an opponent.

Question 24

What are the characteristics of introverts

Answer 24

Shy/quiet
Thoughtful
Enjoy being on their own
Tend to play individual sports when:
Concentration/precision (fine skill) is required
Low arousal is required

Question 25

What are the characteristics of an extrovert

Answer 25

Enjoy interaction with others/sociable/aroused by others
Enthusiastic/talkative
Prone to boredom when isolated/by themselves
Tend to play team sports when:
There is a fast pace
Concentration may need to be low
Gross skills are used

Question 26

What is the short definition of arousal

Answer 26

Arousal is the level of activation and alertness experienced by a performer

Question 27

What is imagery

Answer 27

Imagery is a mental (psychological) technique in which the performer imagines or visualises themselves being successful in the performance. Through the performance may re-create a good past performance or may ‘make up’ a positive experience, for example before taking a penalty of filler may picture the ball hitting the back of the net.

Question 28

What is mental rehearsal

Answer 28

Mentor rehearsal is where the performer pictures themselves executing a skill and practices a skill in their mind, focusing on the specific stages and correct technique. A trampolinist may mentally rehearse a backward somersault before performing the move.