C3 - Arousal

Question 1

What is arousal?

Answer 1

An energised state, a readiness to perform.
- Arousal is present before, during and after sport in varying levels, correct levels can push you to peak performance, too little or too much can cause problems.

Question 2

What is the drive theory (Hull 1943)?

Answer 2

Initial motivation causes increased drive, more effort, more success, and a repetition of the same response. Increased linear fashion.

Question 3

What is the formula for the Drive theory?

Answer 3

Performance = habit strength x drive
P = H D

Question 4

What is the dominant response?

Answer 4

At high arousal we pick up less information (attentional narrowing) and focus on the dominant response. If the task is simple or the performer is an expert, then this response will be correct.

Question 5

What is the zone of optimal functioning?

Answer 5

Area of controlled arousal and high performance.

Question 6

What is the inverted U theory?

Answer 6

Theory that links arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal.

• Increased arousal improves performance but only to a moderate level, after which more arousal causes performance to suffer.
• Under and over arousal can be equally bad for performance.

Question 7

Define the Catastrophe Theory?

Answer 7

Theory suggesting that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal.
- This theory is a adaptation of the inverted U theory?

Question 8

How can under arousal impact sport?

Answer 8

Poor selective attention
Lack of concentration / focus
Slower / poor reaction time / response time
Attentional wastage
Attentional narrowing
Failed to reach zone of optimal functioning

Question 9

How can over arousal affect sport?

Answer 9

Poor selective attention 
Lack of concentration / focus
Slower / poor reaction time / response time
Attentional narrowing 
Attentional wastage 
Violence
Break rules
Fail to reach zone of optimal functioning

Question 10

Define attentional narrowing?

Answer 10

Occurs when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore others. Linked to the dominant response.

Question 11

Define attentional wastage?

Answer 11

Performers concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. Can damage performance especially in novices.

Question 12

Define social loafing?

Answer 12

Individual loss of motivation in a team player due to lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised.

Question 13

Define the ringelmen effect?

Answer 13

When a teams performance decreases with group size.

Question 14

Define the zone of optimal functioning according to Hanin?

Answer 14

Area of controlled arousal and high level performance.

• According to Hanin, athletes perform best not at a point (inverted u) but in an area or ‘zone’ that is reached by advanced cognitive techniques such as imagery or visualisation.
• The zone is a adapted version of the inverted u theory.

Question 15

Define peak flow performance?

Answer 15

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency.

Question 16

What factors may affect peak flow performance?

Answer 16

• Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels.
• Environmental influences - crowd pressure, refs decisions
• Injury or fatigue

Question 17

What does peak flow performance feel like?

Answer 17

Highly focused on task / good selective attention / fully absorbed.
Movement or skill feels effortless / physical and mental harmony.
Clear goals
High level of confidence / sense of well being / self efficacy.
Sub conscience feeling of control / optimal level of arousal.

Question 18

Name problems with the Inverted U Theory?

Answer 18

• Critics question if optimal arousal always occurs at the mid-point of the curve.
• One curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks.

Question 19

What does the zone of optimal functioning feel like?

Answer 19

• Things flow effortlessly.
• A state of supreme confidence
• Remains calm under the utmost pressure
• The athlete feels that they are in total control of their actions and totally focussed on the activity.
• Results can be smooth effortless performance.