Theories Of Arousal And Anxiety

Question 1

What are the two oldest theories that try to explain arousal

Answer 1

1.drive theory
2.inverted u theory

Question 2

What is drive theory

Answer 2

1.Arousal increases the likelihood that the dominant response will occur

2.effects of arousal (drive) on performance depend on skill level

Question 3

Describe the graph of drive theory in a skilled performer

Answer 3

Greater the arousal the greater the performance (linear)

Question 4

Describe drive theory in an unskilled performer

Answer 4

The greater the arousal the lower the performance

Question 5

Describe inverted u theory

Answer 5

Increases in arousal improves performance up to a point, after which decreases performance

Question 6

What are the individual zones of optimal functioning

Answer 6

Optimal level so not a single point but a bandwidth

Question 7

Describe multidimensional anxiety theory

Answer 7

1.The higher the anxiety the lower the performance (cognitive)

2.like the inverted u theory (somatic)

Question 8

Drive theory limitations

Answer 8

Can’t explain why elite athletes sometimes choke under pressure

Can’t explain why novice athletes sometimes thrive under pressure

Question 9

Inverted u theory limitations

Answer 9

1.unlikely that performance descreases in a smooth declining arc

2.over arousal more likely to lead to a vertical plummet

Question 10

Individual zones of optimal functioning limitations

Answer 10

Doesn’t explain why certain individuals perform better in a certain emotional state and others don’t

Question 11

Multidimensional anxiety theory limitations

Answer 11

1.assumes cognitive anxiety is bad
2.assumes there is a smooth decline in performance

Question 12

Catastrophe theory limitations

Answer 12

1.very difficult to test and research
2.how can u recreate that intense arousal level with an experimental setting

Question 13

Control model of anxiety limitations

Answer 13

Doesn’t explain the anxiety performance relationship