Motivation & Arousal

Question 1

What is motivation?

Answer 1

Internal mechanisms and external stimuli which arouse and direct our behaviour

Question 2

What is drive?

Answer 2

Directed, motivated behaviour that an individual has towards achieving a certain goal.

Question 3

What are the two main forms of motivation?

Answer 3

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Question 4

Define intrinsic motivation

Answer 4

Internal drives that motivate an athlete to perform well/ participate in the activity

Question 5

Define extrinsic motivation

Answer 5

Often come from rewards and praise in order to motivate an athlete to perform well/ participate in the activity

Question 6

What are the three main arousal theories?

Answer 6

Drive theory
Inverted U hypothesis
Catastrophe theory

Question 7

What is drive reduction, and in which theory would this be exhibited?

Answer 7

Once a drive is perceived as being fulfilled (e.g. meeting a goal), the drive/ motivation is reduced is then reduced.

Seen within Drive theory.

Question 8

What does RAS stand for, and what does it mean?

Answer 8

Reticular Activating System = Located in the brain and maintains our levels of arousal. It can enhance or inhibit incoming sensory stimuli.

Question 9

What is the peak flow experience?

Answer 9

Optimum zone for high level performance (athletes suggest this as being ‘in the zone’)