Arousal

Question 1

What is arousal?

Answer 1

A level of activation, a degree of reddiness to perform

Question 2

What is arousal caused by?

Answer 2

• increased level of competition
• effect of the audience
• furstration of circumstance

Question 3

What is cognitive arousal?

Answer 3

• psychological
• worry
• negative thoughts
• self-doubt

Question 4

What is somatic arousal?

Answer 4

• physiological
• changes in heart rate
• blood pressure
• respiration

Question 5

What are the three theories of arousal?

Answer 5

• drive theory
• inverted U theory
• catastrophe theory

Question 6

Describe the drive theory of arousal

Answer 6

• as arousal increases so does performance quality
• P = f(D x H)
• performance is a function of drive and habit
• at high arousal performer reverts to their dominant responses
• if perfomer is autonomous dominant response is more likely to be correct so performance levels high
• if performer is cognitive dominat response is more likely to be incorrect so performance levels low

Question 7

Describe the inverted U theory of arousal

Answer 7

• as arousal increases so does performance quality up to an optimum point at moderate arousal
• after this perfrmance quality decreases
• due to over-arousal
• under and over arousal can be detrimental to performance
• at optimum point the best quality of performance occurs
• optimum point depends on type of skill, personality, stage of learning
• optimum arousal is lower for cognitive, fine, complex skills and introverts
• optimum arousal is higher for autonomous, gross, simple skills and extroverts

Question 8

Describe the catastrophy theory of arousal

Answer 8

• accounts for the sudden drop in performance once optimum level of arousal has been exceeded
• as arousal increases so does performance quality up to an optimum point at moderate arousal
• then there is a dramatic decrease in performance as a result of high cognitive and somatic anxiety
• this when athletes experience catastrophe or choking
• effects can be reversed by performing relaxation techniques
• performer can continue to play provided they have reached a level of arousal below the point of catastrophe

Question 9

What is Hanin’s zone of optimum functioning?

Answer 9

• optimum performance is reached during a band or a zone, not a singular point
• some performers will have the zone a low levels of arousal, others at moderate levels and others a high levels

Question 10

What is ‘the zone’?

Answer 10

A mental state that autonomous learners barely experience when everythin is perfect

Question 11

How can a performer find the zone?

Answer 11

• mental practice
• relaxation
• visualisation
• positive self talk

Question 12

What are the characteristics of ‘the zone’?

Answer 12

• optimum levels of arousal
• completely calm
• complete attentional control
• performing on autopilot
• completely confident success is inevitable
• smooth, efficient and effortless performance

Question 13

How is the peak flow experience achieved?

Answer 13

• level of challenge matches their skill level
• clear goal
• correct attentional style
• positive attitude before and during performance
• control of their arousal levels

Question 14

What happens during the peak flow experience?

Answer 14

• performer is fully concentrated
• absolute control over actions
• gives high levels of motivation
• actions seem effortless
• out of body experience
• intrinsic experience
• belief in ability to complete the challenge, clear goals, total focus, positive attitude
• ultimate psychological state for a performer