arousal

what is arousal?

• an energised state of readiness to perform

how is an increase of arousal caused?

• by being watched

• or challenging situations

• eg major games

what are the 4 theories used in arousal?

• drive theory

• inverted U theory

• catastrophe theory

• zone of optimum functioning

what is drive theory?

• initial motivation causes increase drive, more effort, more success and repetition of the same response

• at high arousal we pick up less info and focus on the dominant response

• if the task is simple or performer is an expert then dominant response will be correct

• if the task is complex or performer is a novice then the dominant response and performance may be impaired

what is the inverted U theory?

• this is when an increased arousal improves performance but only to a moderate level, after which more arousal causes performance to suffer

what is catastrophe theory?

• it is an adaptation of inverted U theory

• increased arousal improves performance to a point but an intense combination of somatic and cognitive anxieties cause a dramatic deterioration in performance

• the player can only recover if initial anxiety is low and if there’s time available

what is the zone of optimum functioning?

• it is another adaptation of the inverted U

• according to Hanin, athletes perform best not at a point (inverted U) but in an area or zone that is reached by advanced cognitive techniques such as imagery and visualisation

what is peak flow?

• psychological state of optimal performance where an athlete is fully focused and in control

what are features of peak flow?

• high confidence

• complete control

• focus

• effortless

• low anxiety

• correct decision making