SP Flashcards
Definition of arousal
The state of alertness/activation or readiness of an individual to perform a task, level of arousal varies on a continuum from deep sleep to extreme excitement
Somatic symptoms of arousal
Increase in andrenaline, increase in HR and BR, increase in sweat, nausea, need to urinate
Name cognitive symptoms of arousal
Increase in concentration, increase focus, quicker reaction time, heightened awareness
Factors in sport which increase arousal
Level of competition, prizes/rewards, crowds watching, importance of event, not playing well
Describe hull’s drive theory
Increased arousal caused increased drive which causes increased performance for autonomous performers but decreased performance for cognitive performers
Disadvantages of Hull’s drive theory
Doesn’t take into account the individuals differences such as personality, some simple skills are performed well at low arousal,doesn’t take into account the idea that performer may lose motivation
Describe inverted u theory
-performance improves with arousal up to a point(the optimal point) where increased levels of arousal after this point brings about a decrease in performance.
What three factors affect the optimal point of arousal
-personality type of the performer
-skill level of the performer
-type of activity/skill
Good and bad points of the inverted u theory
-simple and easy to apply
-recognises that the optimal levels can differ due to the different factors
-does not take into account how athletes can recover after over arousal
-limited view of the relationship between arousal and performance
Describe catastrophe theory
Increased arousal causes an increase in performance. However after optimal arousal and anxiety a catastrophe can occur. This can be recovered using stress management techniques
What is the RAS and what is the function of it
The reticular activating system controls and measures the levels of adrenaline in the body
Good and bad points of the catastrophe theory
-explains why performers choke
-takes into account that the performer can recover by lowering arousal
-Doesn’t take into account different personality types,level of performer, type of skill
-not true that optimum arousal has a mid-way point
Describe the zone of optimal functioning graph
Similar to inverted u in that as arousal increases so does performance until the zone of optimal funcitoning where an increase in arousal decreases performance. The ZOF can alter depending on personality type, type of skill, level of perfomer
Zone of optimal functioning is also called peak flow and it is a zone of anxiety free where few errors are made.
What is ZOF
Zone of optimal funcitoning- an energised yet controlled, frame of mind that is focused on the task
What is anxiety
A negative emotional state caused because a situation is threatening. Often arises in sport as a result of the performers perception of the situation
What is somatic anxiety
Physiological responses like sweating and shaking
What is cognitive anxiety
Psychological thoughts and worries
What is trait anxiety
A trait within an individual which measures their potential to react with apprehension. Genetically inherited
What is state anxiety
Anxiety felt in a particular situation or time and is linked to the performers mood
What is competitive state anxiety
Anxiety levels when in a specific competitive sporting situation
When does cognitive anxiety begin to increase before a performance
A week before performance
When does somatic anxiety increase before a performance
Just before the start of the performance
What is distress
A negative form of stress and in extreme causes cause anxiety and apprehension
What is Eustress
A positive form of stress and it gives a feeling of fulfilment and arousal. It increases focus, attention and skill level