Arousal Theories in Sport Flashcards
(22 cards)
define arousal
a state of alertness and anticipation that prepares the body for action
what part of the brain is arousal thought to be connected to?
the reticular activating system (RAS)
what is the reticular activating system? (2)
- controls the level of arousal (from deep sleep to excitement)
- therefore controls levels of readiness and can determine an athlete’s drive to perform
what are the effects that arousal can have on an individual? (2)
positive effects
negative effects
what are the negative effects of arousal?
over arousal = distress / anxiety = decrease in performance
what are the positive effects of arousal?
optimum arousal = eustress = increase in sporting performance
how many arousal theories are there?
four
list the four arousal theories within sport
- drive theory
- inverted u theory
- catastrophe theory
- zone of optimal functioning
drive theory (3)
“as arousal and motivation increase, so does performance”
- performance is said to be a function of drive and habit
- P = f (H x D)
what are the limitations to the drive theory? (2)
- evidence suggests that this theory is only relevant to a point, after which an athlete can be over aroused and performance decreases
- it is too simplistic to suggest that high arousal equals high performance ; the explanation of this is taken further with dominant response
define dominant response
the habitual response that is thought to be correct by the performer, even at high levels of arousal
how does dominant response differ between cognitive and autonomous performers?
cognitive performers have a dominant response that is likely to be undeveloped and of a poor level ; learn more efficiently at low levels of arousal
autonomous performers have a dominant response that is likely to be developed and of a high level ; can cope / perform at high levels of arousal
- autonomous will often display the correct dominant response
inverted - u theory (3)
“as arousal increases, so does performance up to an optimal point of arousal”
- the link between arousal and performance reaches an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal
- as arousal increases past this point, performance gradually decreases
the point of optimal arousal depends on: (3)
characteristics of the skill / type of task
gross and simple = high arousal
level of performance / stage of learning
personality
extroverts = high arousal situations
catastrophe theory (4)
“as arousal increases, so does performance up to an optimal point of arousal”
- rather than a gradual deterioration, there is a sudden and dramatic collapse when arousal increases beyond the optimal point
- if arousal manages to decrease after catastrophe, then controlled performance can improve and the upward curve can be re-joined
- if arousal continues to increase, then performance will continue to decrease (the choking effect)
what causes the sudden and dramatic collapse to occur?
a combination of somatic and cognitive anxiety
the zone of optimal functioning (2)
- suggests that rather than having an optimal arousal point, performers have a zone / area where optimum performance occurs
- it can be different for each athlete and athletes can use all their experience and techniques to reach this optimum zone
what is a zone?
a mental state in which athletes believe they can perform at their peak level
- involves heightened focus
- abandon fear and worry
what is the relationship between somatic anxiety and arousal?
somatic anxiety increases as arousal increases, especially near competition
what is the relationship between cognitive anxiety and arousal?
cognitive anxiety can occur at any arousal level, but is especially high when arousal is perceived as threatening
define peak flow / flow state experience
a mental state where an athlete is fully immersed and involved in the activity they’re performing ; it typically leads to optimal performance
what can disrupt peak flow / flow state experience? (3)
- mental preparation
- environmental influences
- injury or fatigue
