Arousal and Motivation

Motivation definition

internal mechanisms and external stimuli that direct our behaviour

Intrinsic motivation

internal drives to participate and perform well

Extrinsic motivation

comes in form of rewards as opposed to internal feelings

Arousal definition

physical and mental state of readiness and alertness

What are the effects of arousal?

-increase HR, BR, sweat
-lead to worry and anxiety
-prep you to perform

What are the three theories of arousal?

-Drive theory
-Inverted U theory
-Catastrophe theory

What is drive theory?

linear relationship
-arousal inc, performance inc
-loss of arousal, performance dec

Analyse drive theory

-if skill is correct performance will inc
-drive reduction
-doesn’t tell what happens when arousal drops

What is drive reduction?

drive may be reduced if performer loses motivation

What is Inverted U theory?

-arousal inc, performance inc
-optimal level
-arousal inc, performance dec

Analyse Inverted U theory

-optimum level depends on performer ability
-extrovert=high arousal
-introvert=low arousal

What is catastrophe theory?

-performance inc, arousal inc to optimum
-dramatic decline when athlete loses it
-if performer is worried but body relaxed then it can improve performance

Analyse catastrophe theory

-high cognitive and somatic anxiety=dec performance
-after catastrophe performance can inc but not to optimal

Peak flow experience

athletes who achieve optimum performance levels and associate with emotional response
= being in the zone

What is the RAS?

located in central core of brainstem
maintains arousal levels

Effect of RAS on extroverts and introverts

in- RAS stimulated, so no need to inc further
ex- seek high arousal, RAS lacks stimulation