Attentional focus and control Flashcards
What does Easterbrook state?
Stated that performance was directly related to a performers ability to keep focused on the correct cues in the environment.
What is a performers ability to keep focused on cues linked to?
Arousal
What do high arousal levels mean during attentional narrowing?
Means that the performer can only take in several cues. This is called a narrow attention field and leads to attentional wastage - as the performer would miss important cues.
Performance levels would decrease
What do low arousal levels mean during attentional narrowing?
Means that a performer is taking in too many cues, which is called a broad attention field. This would lead to confusion.
Performance levels would decrease
What do moderate arousal levels mean during attentional narrowing?
The performer filters out the irrelevant cues and focuses only on the relevant cues. This lowers the levels of stress and allows them to perform to their highest level
What are the four attention styles, according to Nideffers model, that can be used in a sporting context?
- Broad - when several cues can be identified
- Narrow - when it is best to focus on one or two cues
- External - when information is drawn from the environment
- Internal - when information is used from within the performer
How can the problem of attentional wastage be avoided?
Nideffer suggested that a performer could choose an attention style that suited a situation
Describe the broad and external attention style
Picking up a wide range of cues from the environment
Give an example of the broad and external attention style
A centre player in netball focusing on where her wing attack or goal attack are during a centre pass and whom she might pass to
Describe the broad and internal attentional style
Mental analysis of numerous cues.
Information is used to analyse performance and plan strategies
Give an example of the broad and internal attentional style
Footballer planning their team strategies or next set play. Netball - CRHS backline pass!
Describe the narrow and external attentional style
Focus is on one cue, from the environment
Give an example of the narrow and external attentional style
A basketballer focusing on the net during a free throw.
Golfer focusing on hole when putting
Describe the narrow and internal attentional style
Mental focus on one/two cues, where mental rehearsal, imagery, or visulisation is used
Give an example of the narrow and internal attentional style
A swimmer mentally rehearsing the sound of the starter signal and subsequent dive into the pool
