Arousal In Sport( Sport Pyschology) Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is arousal in sport ?
“ a state of alertness and anticipation that prepares the body for action”
What does arousal involve
Both psychological activity and physiological activity’s
What is the Reticular activating system ?
(RAS)
This (state of alertness/anticipation) is throught to be connected to a part of the brain called the RAS or reticular activating system.
What does the RAS control
The level of arousal( from deep sleep to intense excitement)
Controls the levels of readiness and can determine an athletes drive to perform
Are introverts RAS highly stimulated ?
Yes
What are the postive effects of arousal
Optimum arousal causes for EUSTRESS which therefore leads to optimal sporting performance
What are the negative effects of arousal ?
Over arousal leads to stress/ anxiety which leads to decrease in sporting performance.
How many theories of arousal are required for the exam
4
List the 4 theories of arousal
Drive theory(hull)
inverted-u theory
Catastrophe theory
The zone of optimal functioning(hanin)
What does drive theory refer to ?
As arousal and motivation increase, so does performance.
What is the equation for peformance
Performance= function(Habit x drive)
Define dominant response.
The habitual response that is thought to be corrected by the performer, even at high arousal levels.
What is dominant response like for a cognitive performer
Dominant response is likely to be underdeveloped and of poor level.
What is dominant response like for a autonomous performer
Dominant response is developed and of high level
What is the limitation of drive theory ?
That the theory is only relevant up to a point. After which athletes can be over aroused and performance decreases
What is inverted- u theory ?
This theory suggests that the link between arousal and peformance reaches and optimal point at moderate levels of arousal
How can inverted u theory be explained
As arousal increase so does performance to an optimal point of arousal
As arousal increases past this point, performance gradually decreases
What does the point of optimal arousal depending on for inverted u theory ?
- The characteristics of the skill type of task
- Level of peformance
- Personality types
What is catastrophe theory ?
This theory is multi dimensional and helps explain how athletes experience a sudden collapse/ decline during sporting performance.
What is the ao2 explaination of catastrophe theory.
Arousal improves peformance up to a point(optimum arousal)
What is the key point about catastrophe theory ?
Rather than gradual deterioration- there is a sudden dramatic collapse when arousal increases beyond the optimal point.
Why does this “collapse happen”(catastrophe theory)
Due to a combination of somatic and cognitive anxiety
What does the athlete need to do once catastrophe has hit ?
Athlete needs to relax below point of arousal at which catastrophe occurred
What is the zone of optimal functioning ?
This theory suggests that peformers have an optimal zone/ area instead of optimal arousal point.
