arousal

define arousal

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

how can level of arousal be increased

by being watched

being in a challenging situation e.g. playing in a cup final

outline drive theory

as arousal increases, so does performance- this is a linear relationship

Performance = Drive x habit strength

• Drive = the level of arousal/motivation.

• Habit strength = how well a skill is learned (dominant response).

at high levels of arousal the performer reverts to their dominant response

if the performer is in the autonomous stage of learning then they will have a high level dominant response that is correct → performance level will be high

if the performer is in the cognitive stage of learning they are likely to have a low level dominant response that is incorrect → performance level will be low

what is a dominant response

this is a well-learned skill that the performer will revert to in a high arousal situation

evaluate drive theory

Doesn’t explain performance drops – High arousal can lead to a decline in performance (better explained by the Inverted-U Theory or Catastrophe Theory).

Ignores individual differences – Different athletes respond to arousal differently depending on personality (introvert vs. extrovert)

Applies well to expert performers – Explains why elite athletes often perform better under high pressure (they have strong, correct dominant responses).

Describe the inverted-U theory

as arousal increases, so does performance but only up to an optimum point at moderate arousal

after the optimum point, any further increase in arousal will cause performance to decrease

over and under arousal can both be detrimental to performance

how does the inverted-U theory vary for different performers and skills

not all performers and skills operate best at moderate levels of arousal

optimum performance occurs best at low levels of arousal for:

• cognitive stage of learning- need to concentrate on information as motor programmes haven’t already formed

• introverts- high resting level of adrenaline (want high level)

• fine skills

• complex skills

optimum performance occurs best at high levels of arousal for:

• autonomous stage of learning

• extroverts- low resting level of adrenaline (want high level → increased due to increased arousal)

• gross skills

• simple skills

outline catastrophe theory

an adaptation of the inverted-U theory

as arousal increases, so does performance, up until an optimum point at moderate arousal

there is then a dramatic decrease in performance due to both high levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety

the effects can be reversed by performing relaxation techniques for both cognitive and somatic anxiety e.g. progressive muscular relaxation, deep breathing and centring, and imagery

the performer can then continue to play of they have reached a level of anxiety below the point of catastrophe (they need time and low initial level of anxiety)

what is the zone of optimal functioning (Hanin)

• ZOF suggests that each athlete has an individual optimal arousal zone for peak performance.

• This zone is a range, not a single fixed point.

• individuals use cognitive and somatic strategies to get them into the zone (at the right level of arousal)

• When within the zone, performance is smooth, efficient, and effortless; outside the zone leads to underperformance.

what are the characteristics of being in the ‘zone’

• performing at optimum arousal levels

• feeling completely calm

• complete attentional control- fully focused on the task

• performing smoothly, efficiently, and effortlessly

what is the peak flow experience

the ultimate positive psychological state for a performer

what are the characteristics of the peak flow experience

• fully concentrated on the task

• has absolute control over their actions

• movement/performance seems effortless

• there is a belief in your ability to succeed

when does the peak flow experience happen to a performer

• the level of challenge they are presented with matches their skill level

• the have the correct attentional style

• they have a positive attitude before and during the skill (includes confidence and belief in ability)

• they have control of their arousal levels

what can prevent a performer from entering the peak flow experience

• being given a task that’s too easy → boredom

• being given a task that’s too difficult → anxious and loss of confidence

• poor mental preparation → high levels of physiological and somatic anxiety