Arousal (Inverted -U and catastrophe theory) Flashcards
Lesson 4 (10 cards)
What is the inverted U Theory?
Performance improves to an optimal point, tends to be at moderate levels of arousal. Further increases in arousal can cause a deterioration in performance. Therefore both being under and over arousal can be equally bad for performance. However, a moderate level of arousal is not always the best for peak performance.
What factors affect optimum level of arousal?
Experience
Personality
The Task
How does inverted U cognitive leaner use experience?
Don’t work well under pressure, dominant response is likely to be the wrong option, Probability of poor performance increased, Needs to operate at lower levels of arousal to not become to agitated and stay calm
How does inverted U Autonomous learners use their experience?
Used to dealing with pressure, so can deal with tasks effectively, even if they operate with limited information, Dominant response is likely to be correct, High levels of performance at high levels of arousal
How does the personality of an extrovert affect the inverted U?
Operate at much higher levels of arousal to get best performance, Have a naturally low levels of activation and can tolerate any increases in arousal.
How does the personality of an introvert affect the inverted U?
Operate as much lower levels of arousal for best performance, Have naturally high levels of adrenaline, therefore work better at lower levels of arousal
How do gross and fine skills affect the Inverted U?
Gross-Tasks using large muscle groups can be performed at high levels of arousal, no need for precise control
Fine- Tasks using the smaller muscle groups which focus on precision and control will be better performed at lower levels of arousal
How do Simple and complex skills affect the inverted U?
Simple-requires less decision making and therefore can be executed at high levels of arousal, it is habitual and repetitive
Complex- Involves decision making and the ability to process large amounts of information, Information processing is reduced at higher levels of arousal, so the performer may need to work at lower levels or arousal to execute a complex skill
What is the Catastrophe theory?
an adaption of the inverted U theory. It suggests that increased arousal causes performance to peak at an optimum level but rather than gradual deterioration there is a sudden dramatic reduction in performance
What causes the catastrophe theory?
-Caused by high levels of both somatic and cognitive anxieties. The player will try to regain control by reducing the anxieties and arousal (use of stress management techniques) But only if the initial cause of anxiety Is mild and the performer has time to recover. More often than not, the performer fails to control their arousal and then starts to panic, causing a further increase in arousal therefore causing a further reduction in performance.
