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