Sport Psychology - Arousal Flashcards
Define Arousal
An energised state, a readiness to perform
How can Arousal be increased
By being watched or by a challenging situation such as a major game
What is the drive theory
-arousal increases and so does performance
-increases in linear fashion
What is the dominant response
-stand-out response that the performer thinks is right
-task is simple or performer is an expert then the response will be correct
-task is complex or performer is a novice then the response may be impaired
What is P=F(D x H)
Performance = Drive x Habit
Why does elite athletes peak performance happen when they are aroused
Because their dominant response is being chosen as habitual
What happens when a beginner is aroused
The dominant response may be incorrect and high levels can cause a deterioration in performance
What is the zone of optimal functioning
Area of controlled arousal and high performance
What is the inverted U theory
- Theory that links Arousal and performance by stating that increased amounts of arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal
- looks like a bell curve
How is personality affected by low arousal
Introverts apparently play best because they are said to have high adrenaline levels
How is personality affected by high levels of arousal
Extroverts can tolerate extra adrenaline levels so perform better at these levels
How is experience affected by low arousal
A novice performs better because they need to concentrate on lots of info. Uncomfortable under pressure, incorrect dominant response
How is experience affected by high arousal
Experts are used to the pressure and can operate on limited info. Dominant response is likely correct
How is the type/nature of the task affected by low arousal
Fine and complex skill are performed best because they require control and decision making
How is the type/ nature of the task affected by high arousal
Gross and simple skills are performed best because they don’t need as much control and decision making
What are the problems with the u theory
-Critics question if optimal arousal always occurs at the mid point of the curve
-One curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks
What is the catastrophe theory
Theory suggesting that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction In performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal
How can the player recover from the catastrophe theory
-The player can only recover if initial anxiety is low and there is time available
-The player may not recover
What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport no matter the level of arousal
-Poor selective attention, cue missed
-lack of concentration
-slower, poor reaction time, slower decision making
-attentional wastage
-attentional narrowing
-failed to reach zone of optimal functioning
What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport specific to low arousal
-Social loafing
-Ringelman effect
What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport specific to over Arousal
-Violence
-Break Rules
What is attentional wastage
Performers concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. Can damage performance especially in novices
What is attentional narrowing
Occurs when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore other. Linked to dominant response
What is social loafing
Individual loss of motivation in a team player due to a lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised
What is the Ringelman effect
When a teams performance decreases with group size
What would the zone of optimal functioning feel like
-Things flow effortlessly
-state of supreme confidence
-Remains calm under the utmost pressure
-The athlete feels totally in control of their actions and totally focused on the activity
-Results can be smooth effortless performance
What is peak flow performance
The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency
When does peak flow performance occur
When timing, action and motion appear to be perfect
What factors disrupt peak flow performance
-Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
-Environmental influences - crowd pressures, refs decisions
-Injury or fatigue
What does peak flow performance feel like
- highly focused on the task
- movement or skills feel effortless
- clear goals
- high levels of confidence
- sub conscious feelings of control
