Arousal

Question 1

Arousal

Answer 1

An energised state, a readiness to perform

Question 2

Drive theory hull 1943

Answer 2

Initial motivation causes increased drive, more effort, more success and a repetition of the same response.
Increases in Linear fashion
Is explained by the formula P = f (D x H).

Question 3

The Inverted U Theory

Answer 3

Theory that links arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal

Explanation:

■ Increased arousal improves performance but only to a moderate level, after which more arousal causes performance to suffer.
■ Under- and over-arousal can be equally bad for performance.
■ The optimal level of arousal can vary within this as skill level, personality of the performer and task undertaken have an affect

Question 4

Problems with inverted u theory

Answer 4

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 5

Catastrophe theory

Answer 5

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

Increased arousal improves performance to a point but an intense combination of somatic (muscular tension, Increased HR) and cognitive (loss of concentration, fear about performance)anxieties causes a dramatic deterioration in performance.

Question 6

Impact of under arousal on sport

Answer 6

■ poor selective attention / cues missed
■ lack of concentration/focus
■ social loafing
■ Ringelman effect
■ slower / poor reaction time / response time/slower decision making
■ Attentional wastage
■ Attentional narrowing
■ Failed to reach zone of optimal functioning / peak flow experience

Question 7

Impacts of Over Arousal

Answer 7

■ poor selective attention / cues missed
■ lack of concentration/focus
■ slower / poor reaction time / response
time/slower decision making
■ Attentional wastage
■ Attentional narrowing
■ Failed to reach zone of optimal functioning / peak flow experience
■ Violence
■ Break rules

Question 8

Attentional wastage

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Social loafing

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Attentional narrowing

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Ringleman effect

Answer 11

When a teams performance decreases with group size

Question 12

What would the Zone feel like?

Answer 12

■ Things flow effortlessly
■ A state of supreme confidence and
■ Remains calm under the utmost pressure
■ The athlete feels that they are in total control of their actions and totally focussed on the activity
■ Results can be smooth effortless performance

Question 13

Peak flow performance

Answer 13

■ The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency
■ Occurs when timing, action and motion appear to be perfect
■ Characterised by feelings of subconscious control and effortless movement
■ Promoted by positive values of high confidence, positive mental attitude, control and relaxedness

Question 14

What does Peak Flow Performance feel like?

Answer 14

■ Highly focussed on the task / good selective attention / fully absorbed / involved in activity
■ Movement or skill feels effortless / physical and mental harmony
■ Clear goals
■ High levels of confidence / self-efficacy / sense of well being
■ Sub-conscious feelings of control / being on autopilot / automatic / optimal
levels of arousal / zone of optimal functioning / ZOF