Paper 2: Arousal Flashcards
Arousal definition
Arousal can be defined as a raised state of physiological and psychological readiness
How does arousal and performance link?
High levels of arousal can benefit performance, however, over-arousal can rapidly decrease performance levels.
What did Drive Theory suggest?
- Performance levels increase proportionally to arousal levels.
- As arousal increases so does the performers dominant response.
What is meant by a dominant response?
A dominant response is the natural response provided by an athlete in the quickest time, when faced with a specific stimulus.
What are the limitations of drive theory?
- Isn’t applicable to all performers.
- A performer with higher ability generally has a stronger dominant response, therefore helping to improve performance when arousal levels rise.
- An inexperienced performer with low ability, has a weaker dominant response, causing performance levels to fall when arousal levels are too high.
What is the formula for drive theory?
Performance = habit x drive
habit = dominant response
drive = levels of arousal
Who created Drive Theory?
- Hull, 1943
- Spence and Spence, 1966
Who invented Inverted U Theory?
Yerkes & Dodson, 1908
What does Inverted U Theory suggest?
The inverted U theory states that performance rises alongside arousal, up until
the level of optimal arousal.
If arousal continues to rise beyond this point, performance will decrease
What effects Optimal Arousal levels of Inverted U Theory?
- Optimal arousal levels are dependent on the ability and experience levels of the athlete.
- Low level of arousal for optimal performance, if an inexperienced athlete. Because they are cognitive performers and have to concentrate hard to complete the skill.
- Contrast for an experienced, autonomous athlete.
- Type of sport effects optimal arousal levels:
. Golf = low arousal, high concentration, fine skills.
. Rugby = high arousal, aggressive, gross skills.
What is the limitation of Inverted U Theory?
Views arousal as unidimensional, doesn’t take into account the different effects of cognitive and somatic anxiety.
Who created Catastrophe Theory?
Hardy & Fazey, 1987
What does Catastrophe Theory suggest?
The catastrophe theory suggests that as cognitive anxiety increases so does the level of performance, as
long as somatic anxiety remains low.
However, if both are high, there will be a catastrophic effect on performance, with performance levels rapidly declining.
What is the difference between Catastrophe Theory and the Inverted U Theory?
Catastrophe theory addresses the need to include the effect that both somatic and cognitive anxiety have on performance levels.
How can a performer recover from catastrophe theory?
A performer can salvage performance by reducing their anxiety.
If it isn’t reduced then performance will completely deteriorate.
