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A2 PE Contemporary influences > Arousal > Flashcards

Flashcards in Arousal Deck (24)
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1
Q

Somatic signs of arousal (physiological)

A
Nausea
Increased heart rate 
Increased breathing rate
Sweating
Increased muscle tension 
Decreased reaction time 
Butterflies
2
Q

Cognitive signs of arousal (psychological)

A
Increased focus
Anxiety 
Fear 
Difficulties sleeping 
Narrowing of attention 
Negative self talk
3
Q

Drive theory of arousal (Hull, 1943)

A

Linear relationship between arousal and performance
As arousal increases, so does the quality of performance
Also suggests that higher levels of arousal would intensify the dominant response (likely response)

4
Q

The dominant response for experts and beginners

A

For an expert, the dominant response is likely to be habitual and the correct one and so the performance would be improved.

For a beginner, the dominant response may be incorrect and so a higher level of arousal may cause deterioration in performance

5
Q

Inverted U theory of Arousal (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908)

A

As arousal increases, performance will increase up to an optimal point. After this point, as arousal continues to increase, performance decreases.

6
Q

Factors which affect the ‘optimal level’ of arousal (inverted u theory)

A

Experts and beginners- a beginner needs to give a greater proportion of their attention to the performance of a skill. Increased levels of arousal may well take a beginners attention away from the skill and so performance decreases.

Type of skill- performers engaged in events that require the use of major muscle groups (gross skills) may benefit from higher levels of arousal than performers using finer skills such as archery.

Personality- extroverts perform better with higher levels of arousal than introverts

7
Q

Evaluation apprehension

A

A sense of anxiety caused by a performer thinking that their performance is being watched and judged by someone

8
Q

Zajonc’s theory

A

Zajonc proposed that the presence of others either as audience or coactors (team mates) raises the level of arousal. This increase in arousal makes the performer’s dominant response more likely. He said this would lead to social facilitation or social inhibition

9
Q

Social facilitation

A

If the skill is easy or the performer is an expert, their initial level of arousal is low and therefore, an increase in arousal will improve performance as their dominant response is likely to be correct

10
Q

Social inhibition

A

If the skill is hard or the performer is a beginner, their initial level of arousal is high and their dominant response is likely to be incorrect. Therefore, an increase in arousal is likely to deteriorate performance

11
Q

Zone of optimal functioning definition

A

The area between the upper and lower limits of arousal where a performer is sufficiently aroused to perform to their best

12
Q

Characteristics of a performer in the zone of optimal functioning

A
Highly focused
Clear goals
Optimal arousal 
High levels of self confidence 
Movements feel effortless
13
Q

Arousal definition

A

The state of general physiological and psychological factors of the body for action

14
Q

Evaluation apprehension definition

A

A sense of anxiety caused by a performer thinking that their performance is being watched and judged by someone

15
Q

What factors may have an impact on arousal levels?

A
Opponents 
Importance of sporting situation 
Actions by team mates/ officials 
Nature of the crowd/ audience 
Coactors (team mates)
16
Q

Zajonc’s theory (1965)

A

Proposed that the presence of others either as audience of coactors raises the level of arousal. This increase is arousal makes the performers dominant response more likely. He said that this would lead to social facilitation or social inhibition

17
Q

Social facilitation

A

If the skill is easy or the performer is an expert, their initial level of arousal is low and therefore and increase in arousal will improve performance as their dominant response is likely to be correct

18
Q

Social inhibition

A

If the skill is hard or the performer is a beginner, their initial level or arousal is high and their dominant response is likely to be incorrect. Therefore an increase in around is likely to deteriorate their performance as it goes beyond their optimal level

19
Q

Characteristic of the zone of optimal functioning

A
Highly focused 
Movements feel effortless 
Clear goals 
High levels of self confidence 
At optimal level of arousal
20
Q

Interactive others

A

Social reinforcers

Competitive coactors

21
Q

Passive others

A

Audience

Coactors

22
Q

What are competitive coactors?

A

Those in direct competition with the performer.

23
Q

What a re social reinforcers?

A

Those with direct influence. Eg coach

24
Q

What are coactors?

A

Those performing the same task but not in competition with the performer