Sport Psychology - Arousal

Question 1

Define Arousal

Answer 1

An energised state, a readiness to perform

Question 2

How can Arousal be increased

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is the drive theory

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is the dominant response

Answer 4

-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

Question 5

What is P=F(D x H)

Answer 5

Performance = Drive x Habit

Question 6

Why does elite athletes peak performance happen when they are aroused

Answer 6

Because their dominant response is being chosen as habitual

Question 7

What happens when a beginner is aroused

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What is the zone of optimal functioning

Answer 8

Area of controlled arousal and high performance

Question 9

What is the inverted U theory

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

How is personality affected by low arousal

Answer 10

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

Question 11

How is personality affected by high levels of arousal

Answer 11

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

Question 12

How is experience affected by low arousal

Answer 12

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

Question 13

How is experience affected by high arousal

Answer 13

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

Question 14

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

Answer 14

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

Question 15

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

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What are the problems with the u theory

Answer 16

-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

Question 17

What is the catastrophe theory

Answer 17

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

Question 18

How can the player recover from the catastrophe theory

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

-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

Question 20

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

Answer 20

-Social loafing
-Ringelman effect

Question 21

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

Answer 21

-Violence
-Break Rules

Question 22

What is attentional wastage

Answer 22

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

Question 23

What is attentional narrowing

Answer 23

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

Question 24

What is social loafing

Answer 24

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

Question 25

What is the Ringelman effect

Answer 25

When a teams performance decreases with group size

Question 26

What would the zone of optimal functioning feel like

Answer 26

-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

Question 27

What is peak flow performance

Answer 27

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

Question 28

When does peak flow performance occur

Answer 28

When timing, action and motion appear to be perfect

Question 29

What factors disrupt peak flow performance

Answer 29

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

Question 30

What does peak flow performance feel like

Answer 30

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