B - Arousal :)

Question 1

Define arousal

Answer 1

The level of activation of the reticular activating system, varying from deep sleep to intense excitement. It’s a level of readiness and can determine a persons drive to perform

Question 2

What are the 4 theories of arousal?

Answer 2

*Drive theory
*Catastrophe theory
*Inverted U theory
*Zone of optimal functioning

Question 3

Describe the drive theory of arousal and the problems with it

Answer 3

As arousal and motivation increase so does performance.
performance is said to be a function of drive and habit.
Dominant response - this is the habitual response that is thought to be correct by the performer even at high arousal levels.
Cognitive - dominant response = underdeveloped and poor level
Autonomous - dominant response = developed and high level

Problems:
Doesn’t account for over arousal on decrease in performance

Question 4

Describe the catastrophe of arousal

Answer 4

Increase in arousal leads to am increase in performance up to an optimal point. After this point, there is a dramatic reduction in performance due to high levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety.

Question 5

Describe the inverted U theory in arousal

Answer 5

As arousal increases performance increases up to an optimal level. Any increase beyond this level will lead to a decrease in performance.
optimally level will depends on the characteristics of skill, level of performer and personality
Cognitive - fine - complex - introvert = lower levels of arousal
Autonomous - gross - simple - extrovert = higher levels of arousal

Question 6

Describe the zones of optimal functioning in arousal

Answer 6

Rather than optimal arousal point performers have a zone or area that this happens in. Some performers will have this at a lower arousal whereas others experience their best performance at a high level of arousal.

Question 7

What is peak flow experience? (Definition)

Answer 7

The reformer experiences the ultimate intrinsic experience as a result of positive mental attitude, supreme confidence, focus and efficiency. Their performance seems effortless, fluent and consistent.

Question 8

Draw semantic arousal and cognitive anxiety boxes

Answer 8

High sematic arousal

low excited,happy anxious,anger high
cognitive cognitive
arousal arousal
lethargic,drowsy bored,fatigued

                                   low sematic arousal

Question 9

What are the factors affecting peak flow experience?

Answer 9

*Anxiety
*Concentration
*Attentional style
*Confidence
*Goal setting
*Environmental conditions
*Leadership
*Group cohesion

Question 10

Describe peak flow

Answer 10

Quality of a skill is achieved when the performer is fully focused and controlled
Performer is rewarded by movement performance
Athlete experiences happiness and self - fulfillment
Performer experiences ultimate intrinsic experience
*positive mental attitude
*supreme confidence, focus and efficiency
*performance is effortless, fluent and consistent