Sport Psychology - Arousal Flashcards

1
Q

Define Arousal

A

An energised state, a readiness to perform

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2
Q

How can Arousal be increased

A

By being watched or by a challenging situation such as a major game

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3
Q

What is the drive theory

A

-arousal increases and so does performance
-increases in linear fashion

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4
Q

What is the dominant response

A

-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

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5
Q

What is P=F(D x H)

A

Performance = Drive x Habit

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6
Q

Why does elite athletes peak performance happen when they are aroused

A

Because their dominant response is being chosen as habitual

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7
Q

What happens when a beginner is aroused

A

The dominant response may be incorrect and high levels can cause a deterioration in performance

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8
Q

What is the zone of optimal functioning

A

Area of controlled arousal and high performance

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9
Q

What is the inverted U theory

A
  • 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
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10
Q

How is personality affected by low arousal

A

Introverts apparently play best because they are said to have high adrenaline levels

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11
Q

How is personality affected by high levels of arousal

A

Extroverts can tolerate extra adrenaline levels so perform better at these levels

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12
Q

How is experience affected by low arousal

A

A novice performs better because they need to concentrate on lots of info. Uncomfortable under pressure, incorrect dominant response

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13
Q

How is experience affected by high arousal

A

Experts are used to the pressure and can operate on limited info. Dominant response is likely correct

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14
Q

How is the type/nature of the task affected by low arousal

A

Fine and complex skill are performed best because they require control and decision making

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15
Q

How is the type/ nature of the task affected by high arousal

A

Gross and simple skills are performed best because they don’t need as much control and decision making

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16
Q

What are the problems with the u theory

A

-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

17
Q

What is the catastrophe theory

A

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

18
Q

How can the player recover from the catastrophe theory

A

-The player can only recover if initial anxiety is low and there is time available
-The player may not recover

19
Q

What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport no matter the level of arousal

A

-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

20
Q

What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport specific to low arousal

A

-Social loafing
-Ringelman effect

21
Q

What are the impacts of incorrect arousal in sport specific to over Arousal

A

-Violence
-Break Rules

22
Q

What is attentional wastage

A

Performers concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. Can damage performance especially in novices

23
Q

What is attentional narrowing

A

Occurs when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore other. Linked to dominant response

24
Q

What is social loafing

A

Individual loss of motivation in a team player due to a lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised

25
Q

What is the Ringelman effect

A

When a teams performance decreases with group size

26
Q

What would the zone of optimal functioning feel like

A

-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

27
Q

What is peak flow performance

A

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency

28
Q

When does peak flow performance occur

A

When timing, action and motion appear to be perfect

29
Q

What factors disrupt peak flow performance

A

-Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
-Environmental influences - crowd pressures, refs decisions
-Injury or fatigue

30
Q

What does peak flow performance feel like

A
  • highly focused on the task
  • movement or skills feel effortless
  • clear goals
  • high levels of confidence
  • sub conscious feelings of control