SP- Attentional Control

Question 1

Define attentional control

Answer 1

The extent to which the performer can focus awareness on the environmental stimuli that are more relevant during an activity

Question 2

Define selective attention

Answer 2

The mechanism that allows a performer to focus on a specific important cue and ignore irrelevant ones

Question 3

What two factors effect selective attention

Answer 3

• Stimulus intensity e.g. bib colour

* Presence of warning cues e.g. ‘set’ call

Question 4

What two factors is attentional control determined by

Answer 4

Arousal

Cognition

Question 5

What is the name of the theory which is the ability to maximise attentional control

Answer 5

Cue-utilisation theory

Question 6

What three types of arousal does cue-utilisation theory describe

Answer 6

Under
Over
Optimal

Question 7

Describe being under aroused (cue utilisation theory)

Answer 7

Wide perceptual field which overloads the information processing system, effecting decision making due to ineffective cue utilisation theory e.g. cheering crowd, music from a band

Question 8

Describe being at optimal arousal (cue utilisation theory)

Answer 8

Perceptual narrowing occurs to the ideal width. Selective attention is fully operational. There is a maximal attention control and effective cue utilisation e.g. when looking to pass focus on: teammates, opposition, space

Question 9

Describe being over-aroused (cue utilisation theory)

Answer 9

Excessive perceptual narrowing where relevant cues are missed and information processing becomes restricted due to ineffective cue utilisation (hypervigilance) e.g. focused on opposition not ball location.

Question 10

Describe the theory of attentional styles

Answer 10

Optimal performance will only be achieved if the performer has the ability to adapt the attentional style to match the attentional demands of the situation.

Question 11

What two dimensions do attentional styles vary along

Answer 11

Broad-narrow

Internal-external

Question 12

Define the width dimension (attentional styles)

Answer 12

Number of stimuli requiring attention

Question 13

Define the directional dimension (attentional styles)

Answer 13

Focus of the thought processes of the performer

Question 14

Describe the narrow end of the width dimension

Answer 14

i. Focusing on specific cues

ii. E.g. ball when serving in tennis

Question 15

Describe the broad end of the width dimension

Answer 15

i. Attending to a wide range of cues

ii. E.g. scanning field before you pass

Question 16

Describe the internal end of the directional dimension

Answer 16

directional dimension

i. Focusing on internal feelings
ii. Fatigue in a 10km race

Question 17

Describe the external end of the directional dimension

Answer 17

i. Focusing on cues in the environment

ii. Location of incoming ball in tennis

Question 18

How can a coach make use of cue utilisation

Answer 18

-

Question 19

How can a coach make use of attentional styles

Answer 19

Train performers to know when to switch

Question 20

What can good performers do (attentional styles)

Answer 20

Switch style when appropriate