Attentional focus and control Flashcards
What did Easterbrook state performance was directly related to?
A performer’s ability to keep focused on the correct cues in the environment
What did Easterbrook state a performers ability to focus on the correct cues was linked to?
Arousal
What did Easterbrook state about high arousal levels?
Means 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. Therefore performance levels would decrease
What did Easterbrook state about low arousal levels?
Means that a performer would be taking in too many cues. This is called a broad attention field. This would lead to confusion. Therefore performance would decrease
What did Easterbrook state about 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 to their highest level (ZOF)
What did Nideffer suggest a performer could do to avoid attentional wastage?
Choose an attention style that suited their situation
What did Nideffer state the best athletes could do?
Easily switch between the attention styles
What are the 4 attention styles that can be used in a sporting context?
Broad, narrow, external and internal
What is a broad attention style?
Where several cues can be identified
What is a narrow attention field?
When it is best to focus on one or two cues
What is an external attention field?
When information is drawn from the environment
What is an internal attention style?
When information is used from within the performer
What is a broad external attention style?
Picking up a wide range of cues from the environment
- Used to detect/identify best option in fast game situations
What is an example of a broad external attention style?
A centre in netball focusing on where her wing attack or goal attack are during a centre pass and who she might pass to
What is a broad internal attention style?
Mental analysis of numerous cues
- Information used to analyse performance and plan strategies
What is an example of a broad internal attention style?
A footballer planning their team strategies or next set play
What is a narrow external attention style?
Focus is on one cue from the environment
What is an example of a narrow external attention style?
A basketballer focusing on the net during a free throw
What is a narrow internal attention style?
Mental focus on one/two cues
- Mental rehearsal, imagery or visualisation is used
What is an example of a narrow internal attention style?
A swimmer mentally rehearsing the sound of the starter signal and subsequent dive into the pool
