arousal levels Flashcards
definition of aggression
a deliberate intent to harm/injure another person, it can be physical or mental
definition of arousal
a physical and mental state of alertness, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement
describe the inverted U theory and the performance levels at different points
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)
what is the definition of optimal point of arousal
the point of arousal on the inverted U graph that produces optimal performance
where would a low arousal level be on the inverted U graph
on the left of the graph (end of inverted U overlapping with the beginning of the inverted U of a high arousal level)
where would a high arousal level be on the inverted U graph
on the right (beginning of inverted U overlapping with the end of the inverted U of a low arousal level)
will skills which involve speed or strength require a higher arousal level or a lower arousal level
higher arousal level e.g. sprinting and tackling in rugby
will skills which require fine movements and complex skills (large amount of attention) require a lower arousal level or a higher arousal level
lower arousal level e.g. snooker shots and putting in golf
describe the level of performance in an inverted U graph
•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
what is intrinsic motivation
the drive that comes from within (satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment, self-worth)
what is extrinsic motivation
the drive to perform well or to win in order to gain external rewards (prizes, money, praise)
what is an example of intrinsic motivation
running for a personal best in a race
going to the gym to increase health/fitness
give an example of an extrinsic motivation
running in a race to finish in the top 3 and win a medal
what does the inverted U theory show
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)
what are the labels on the X axis and the Y axis on the inverted U graph
X axis - low (boredom), medium (optimal arousal), high (panic)
Y axis - (quality of) performance
why would gross movement skills need high levels of arousal
because the mind and body needs to be more alert to ensure we have strength, endurance and speed
why would fine movement skills need lower levels of arousal
because the mind and body needs to be calm to ensure coordination and concentration
What stress management techniques exist
Deep breathing
Mental rehearsal, visualisation, imagery
Positive self talk
what are deep breaths
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.
define aggression
A deliberate intent to harm or injure another person (it can be physical and mental)
what are the types of aggression
Direct aggression
Indirect aggression
Define direct aggression
Direct aggression is where there is physical contact between two or more performers. The person starting the aggression is known as the aggressor.
Define indirect aggression
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.
What are the characteristics of introverts
Shy/quiet
Thoughtful
Enjoy being on their own
Tend to play individual sports when:
Concentration/precision (fine skill) is required
Low arousal is required
What are the characteristics of an extrovert
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
What is the short definition of arousal
Arousal is the level of activation and alertness experienced by a performer
What is imagery
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.
What is mental rehearsal
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.
