Attentional control and attentional focus

Question 1

What is Easterbrook’s attentional narrowing and cue utilisation hypothesis?

Answer 1

-Easterbrook’s stated that performance was directly related to a performers ability to keep focused on the correct cues in the environment
-he claimed that a performers ability to focus on the correct cues (cue utilisation) was linked to arousal

Question 2

What is high arousal?

Answer 2

High arousal levels meant that the performer would only be able to take in several cues. this is called a narrow attention field. This would lead to attentional wastage as the performer would miss important cues. Performance levels would decrease.

Question 3

What is low arousal?

Answer 3

Low arousal levels meant that a performer would be taking in too many cues. This is called a broad attention field. This would lead to confusion performance levels would decrease

Question 4

What is moderate arousal?

Answer 4

at moderate arousal levels, the performer filters out the irrelevant cues and focuses only on the relevant cues. this lowers the levels of stress and allows them to perform at highest levels

Question 5

What is Nideffer’s model of attentional focus?

Answer 5

To avoid the problem of attentional wastage Nideffer suggested that a performer could choose an attention style that suited a situation. he stated that the best athletes can easily switch between them.

Question 6

What are the 4 styles

Answer 6

1. Broad- When several cues can be identified
2. Narrow- When it is best to focus on one or two cues
3. External- When information is drawn from the environment
4. Internal - When information is used from within the performer

Question 7

What is broad external? Give an example

Answer 7

Picking up a wide range of cues from the environment. Used to detect/ Identify best option in fast game situations Example- A centre player in netball focusing on where her wing attack or goal attack are during a centre pass and who she might pass to

Question 8

What is broad internal? Give an example

Answer 8

Mental analysis of numerous cues. Information used to analyse performance and plan strategies. Example: footballer planning their team strategies or next set play

Question 9

What is Narrow External ? Give an example

Answer 9

Focus is on one cue, from the environment Example: A basketball focusing on the net during a free throw.

Question 10

What is Narrow Internal? Give an example

Answer 10

Mental focus on one/two cues. Mental rehearsal imagery to visualisation used. Example A swimmer mentally rehearsing the sound of the starter signal and subsequent dive into the pool