Arousal (SP)

Question 1

Define arousal

Answer 1

an energised state, a readiness to perform

Question 2

What does the correct level of arousal lead to?

Answer 2

peak performance

Question 3

What can increase levels of arousal?

Answer 3

• being watched

- a challenging situations (e.g. major game)

Question 4

What is the drive theory?

Answer 4

• increases in linear fashion; higher arousal = higher performance
• explained by p = f(dxh)

Question 5

What is the dominant response?

Answer 5

• high arousal, pick up less information (attentional narrowing) and focus on what is important
• may use the most important motor programme

Question 6

What is the inverted U theory?

Answer 6

• increased arousal = higher performance but only up to a moderate level
• optimal arousal level = peak performance but can be varied due to the required arousal needed for a certain sport
• under-aroused or over aroused = decrease in performance

Question 7

What are the problems with the inverted U theory?

Answer 7

• critics question if optimal arousal always occurs at the midpoint of curve
• one curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks

Question 8

What is optimal arousal also known as?

Answer 8

Zone of optimal functioning

Question 9

What is the catastrophe theory?

Answer 9

• increased arousal improves performance to a point but an intense somatic and cognitive anxieties causes a dramatic deterioration in performance.

Question 10

Can you recover from dramatic deterioration in performance?

Answer 10

• some people cannot recover

- if someone does recover, they need low initial anxiety and time available

Question 11

What are the impacts of under arousal?

Answer 11

• poor selective attention
• lack of concentration
• social loafing
• ringelmann effect
• attentional wastage
• attentional narrowing
• fail to reach zone of optimal functioning
• slower reaction time / decision-making

Question 12

What are the impacts of over arousal?

Answer 12

• poor selective attention
• lack of concentration
• attentional wastage
• attentional narrowing
• violence
• breaks rules
• fail to reach zone of optimal functioning
• slower reaction time / decision-making

Question 13

Define attentional wastage

Answer 13

performer concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues can damage performance especially in novices

Question 14

Define attentional narrowing

Answer 14

when performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore others. Linked to dominant response.

Question 15

Define social loafing

Answer 15

individual loss of motivation in a team of players due to lack of performance identification when efforts aren’t recognised

Question 16

Define the ringelmann effect

Answer 16

when a teams performance decreases with group size

Question 17

What would the optimal zone of arousal feel like?

Answer 17

• things will flow effortlessly
• state of supreme confidence
• remains calm under upmost pressure
• feels in total control
• totally focussed on activity
• results can be smooth and effortless

Question 18

Define peak flow performance

Answer 18

the ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme focus and efficiency

Question 19

Name some factors that could disrupt peak flow?

Answer 19

• failure to reach optimum arousal levels
• poor mental preparation
• injury / fatigue
• external factors e.g. refs decisions or crowd pressure