Key Terms

Question 1

1.

what is arousal:

Answer 1

state in which an athlete feels ready both psychologically and physically to do their very best in competition
a physical state
leads to how body reacts to a situation or thought
“being psyched up”

Question 2

Theories of Arousal: Drive Theory

Answer 2

• linear relationship between performance and arousal (high arousal -> high performance)
• high arousal benefits skilled performer but hurts beginner’s performance

Question 3

Theories of Arousal: Inverted U hypothesis

Answer 3

• there is an optimum arousal level for achieving the best performance.
• moderate intensity produces maximum performance.
• Low arousal causes fatigue and sleepiness, while
• High arousal causes anxiety and stress.

everyone has different levels of optimal arousal

Question 4

what level of arousal do fine motor control sports like golf, archery

Answer 4

perform better with lower levels of arousal

Question 5

what level of arousal do gross motor skills (rugby) need

Answer 5

perform better with higher levels of arousal

Question 6

what level of arousal do skilled performers need

Answer 6

require higher levels of arousal when performing the same skill/ or task

Question 7

what level of arousal do extroverts need

Answer 7

perform better when under situations of high level of arousal

Question 8

what level of arousal do introverts need

Answer 8

better under low levels of arousal

Question 9

Theories of arousal: Zone of optimal functioning

Answer 9

IZOF: individualized zone of optimal functioning.
each person will perform at their very best when they are within their pre-performance anxiety zone
once out of zone, performance goes down

Question 10

what happens in our optimal arousal zone?

Answer 10

we can block out what is irrelevant, and stay focused on things that matter.

Question 11

low arousal =

Answer 11

broad attention field -> take in relevant & irrelevant cues

Question 12

high arousal =

Answer 12

low attention field -> miss important cues

Question 13

what is chocking?

Answer 13

occurs when arousal is high and anxiety is perceived as something negative, therefore may be related to increased levels of “somatic trait anxiety”(attach negative feelings to nervousness)

what helps: learning from choking experience, getting extra help

Question 14

what is anxiety

Answer 14

a general sense of uncertainty about what is going to happen. we react physically to it, like sweating, “butterflies”, and muscle tension.
anxiety is the negative interpretation to arousal

Question 15

what is cognitive anxiety

Answer 15

• worry, doubt, or concern
• negative thoughts
• “what if I mess up?”

Question 16

what is somatic anxiety

Answer 16

the physiological response (butterflies, trembling, hyperventilating)

Question 17

what is the catastrophe theory

Answer 17

it contains cognitive and somatic dimensions
- modified from the inverted U theory
- deterioration is much more extreme
- cannot be corrected by merely calming down
- effects performer’s ability to concentrate
- recovery can be very difficult
- requires mental toughness

Question 18

what is relaxation?

Answer 18

mind-body state in which an athlete has no feelings of anxiety, and is feeling “loose” and ready to do their best.

Question 19

what is motivation?

Answer 19

involves direction and intensity of effort

direction: what a person is motivated to achieve

intensity: how much actual physical and mental energy one is willing to put into achieving their target