Evaluation of Theories of Arousal

Question 1

Evaluate the Drive Theory of Arousal?

Answer 1

+This theory is simple
+Allows coaches to understand arousal within sport
+Can be true eg: an expert performer at the Olympics will show a high skill level

• LINEAR has been seen as too simple
• doesn’t take into account INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Question 2

Evaluate the Inverted- U theory?

Answer 2

+Can “SHIFT “ for individual differences- the optimum point shifts
+MORE REALSITIC than the linear drive theory
+ simplistic

• the U shape may not be accurate/ too even
• still too simple

Question 3

Evaluate the Catastrophe Theory?

Answer 3

+REALISTIC explanation as to why performers may “go to pieces”
+ the SUDDEN decline is more likely than the GRADUAL decline
+takes into account COG AND SOM arousal
+shows that recovery is possible

• not always sudden “catastrophes”
• doesn’t take into account personality/ skill level.