6.3 arousal

AQA A-Level PE

arousal

level of somatic or cognitive stimulation that gets us ready to perform

drive theory

as arousal increases, so does performance in a linear fashion

Performance is function of drive multiplied by habit

High arousal, performer reverts to dominant response

Doesn’t account for elite performers deteriorating under pressure

dominant response

well learned skill that performer will use when under competitive pressure

If cognitive - incorrect

If autonomous - correct

inverted U theory

how experience, personality and skills impact on success

Doesnt account for dramatic decrease seen when some elite performers exceed arousal

Arousal increases with performance until an optimum point when quality decreases

optimum performance at lower levels of arousal

novice / cognitive

Introverts with high resting adrenaline

Fine skills

Complex skills

optimum performance occurs at higher levels of arousal

advanced / autonomous performers

Extroverts with low resting adrenaline

Gross skills

Simple skills

catastrophe theory

as arousal increases so does performance quality to optimum point where this a dramatic decrease in performance as a result of high cognitive and somatic anxiety

Can be reversed by relaxation techniques and can continue to play once reached level of relaxation below catastrophe

Hanin’s zone of optimum functioning

zone is mental state that autonomous performers only experience once or twice where everything is perfect

characteristics of zone of optimal functioning

• at optimum arousal levels

• Feel completely calm

• Complete attentional control

• Performing on autopilot

• Feeling completely confident that success is inevitable

• Performing smoothly, efficiently and effortlessly

Peak flow experience

ultimate positive psychological state for a performer

Very rare and intense

Performer is fully concentrate, has absolute control, seems effortless and may have an out of body experience p

peak flow happens when

• presented with level of challenge matching skill level

• Clear goal

• Correct attentional style

• Positive attitude before and during performance

• Control of arousal