arousal theories

Question 1

drive theory

Answer 1

• linear relationship between arousal and performance, as arousal increases so does the performance
• however evidence suggests that this theory is only relevant up to a point, after which an athlete can be over aroused and performance decreases.

Question 2

inverted U theory

Answer 2

• theory states that there is an optimal level of arousal (which will differ from sport to sport and athlete to athlete)
• performance levels will be at their highest at the optimal point of arousal
• if arousal is too low or too high performance will be lower.