Arousal PHED3

13A Drive theory – Freddie/Jamal/Cedric Inverted U theory – Toby/Manny/Ed Catastrophe theory –Sam/Ben Research your theory Create a video to explain it Use mark schemes to identify key phrases which will be needed for the examination

13B Research your theory Create a video to explain it Drive theory – Francois/Will Inverted U theory – Milly/Ben Catastrophe theory – Charlene/Olly/Mikey Research your theory Create a video to explain it Use mark schemes to identify key phrases which will be needed for the examination

Exam questions… Catastrophe Theory During a tennis match a player may display signs of anxiety and become over-aroused. Using the ‘catastrophe theory’, describe how over-arousal may affect a player’s performance.   Drive Theory Explain the relationship between performance and arousal using drive theory? How does this differ for experienced and novice performers? Inverted U theory Explain the factors that may influence different optimal levels of arousal. Stretch question: How does the inverted U-theory link to anxiety?

Essay question… Using appropriate psychological theories, explain why performers may have different levels of optimal arousal and outline various somatic stress management techniques that can be used to control anxiety levels. (14 marks)

Definition ‘Energised’ state of readiness Varying from deep sleep (low arousal) intense excitement (high arousal) Performers always looking for their “optimal” level of arousal Arousal controlled by the Reticular Activating System (RAS) RAS interprets the stimuli and decides an appropriate response

Types of Arousal Cognitive – the psychological changes that a performer experiences with increases/decreases in arousal levels E.g: loss of concentration, poor selective attention, decision making Somatic – the physiological changes which a performer experiences with increases/decreases in arousal levels E.g: increased heart rate, sweating, muscle tension

Theories of Arousal Drive Theory Linear relationship, An arousal increases the level of performance Performance Arousal

Adaptations to Drive Theory Increases in arousal result in an increase in chances of dominant response occurring

P= f ( H x D) Dominant response: The typical behaviour pattern of an individual, either skilled or non skilled, in the execution of a task With this is mind, what levels of arousal do experienced performers need? P= f ( H x D)

Arousal linked to task and experience As arousal increased Experienced performer will complete the skill well because dominant response is well learned As arousal increases An inexperienced performer will execute the skill poorly because their dominant response is not well learned

Discuss with a partner what the criticisms of this theory could be… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwnVsoOZXAo Skilled performers in the autonomous phase of learning often fail to complete skills in situations of high arousal

Criticisms of Drive Theory Does not account for: Effects of over-arousal Level of performer Type of sport Type of personality

Inverted U Theory As arousal increases so does performance, but only to an optimum point. Optimal point of arousal is usually moderate An increase beyond this level will result in performance deteriorating Optimum level of arousal for maximum performance A: -Under Arousal – performer may lack concentration B: -Moderate Arousal – optimal, good selective attention, concentration C: -Over-arousal – performer may lose focus, miss cues, become anxious, experience muscle tension, make poor decisions H M L Performance B A C L M H Arousal

Rank the following activities in order of importance for high levels of arousal… justify your decision Golf putt High jump Hockey penalty flick Boxing archery 100m sprint Rugby Pistol shooting Weightlifting Gymnastic vault

Factors to consider when attempting to determine a person’s optimum level of arousal Nature of the task: Complex or fine skills require a lower level of arousal Simple or gross skills need higher levels of arousal

Skill level of the performer Experienced performers can cope with higher levels of arousal Novice performers – lower levels of arousal. May become over-aroused if faced with a defender

Personality of the performer Extrovert – able to cope with higher levels of arousal Introvert – lower levels of arousal

Adaptations to Inverted U Theory High Moderate Low Performance A B Low Moderate High Arousal

Adaptations to Inverted U Theory Skill Level Type of Sport Personality of Performer Graph A Beginner/Novice Complex/Fine Introvert Graph B Experienced Simple/ Gross Extrovert This theory still doesn’t consider how some performers become over aroused and yet still recover to compete effectively (it suggests that over arousal = bad performance)

Weakness of inverted U theory Assumes that when over-arousal occurs performance will continue to deteriorate

Catastrophe Theory Optimum arousal Suggests that an increase in arousal will improve performance, but if over arousal occurs one of two options may happen: Performer can recover from slight over-arousal, caused by cognitive anxiety, and regain their optimal level of arousal If arousal continues to increase, in terms of cognitive and somatic anxiety, performance will not be able to recover – catastrophe will occur Performance A Extreme decline D B C Arousal A: over arousal, threshold of catastrophe B: Arousal level after catastrophe C: Continued deterioration of performance D: Recovery of arousal levels and gradual return to optimum arousal

Appropriate Levels of Arousal Zone of Optimal Functioning ‘Being in the zone’ Optimal band width or area in which the performer achieves his or her maximum attention capacity

How does the theory differ from the inverted U theory? Optimum level of arousal does not always occur at the midpoint of the arousal continuum. Variable factors will cause the ZOF to differ. Optimum level of arousal does not occur at a specific point – occurs over a band width.

Effects of Over-Arousal Cue-utilisation theory – detect cues required to complete the task successfully As arousal increases players may start to miss vital cues which lead to a decrease in performance. Attentional Narrowing: links arousal levels directly to the individual’s ability to focus on relevant cues, but over-arousal will hinder performance, this leads to Attentional wastage: performers concentration is redirected to irrelevant cues, causing a decrease in performance.

Peak flow experience Timing of actions and movements feel perfect – ‘flow experience’ Common characteristics: Complete absorption in the activity Clear goals totally focused on task Effortless movement

Development of flow has been linked to the following factors: PMA Performer being relaxed, controlling anxiety Optimum environment and situational conditions

Suggested there is a link between somatic arousal and cognitive arousal. When the correct level of somatic arousal occurs and cognitive arousal is low – peak flow is more likely to occur Psychological preparation is essential to a performance

Factors which interfere; leading to disrupted flow: Injury Fatigue Crowd hostility Negative self talk Poor officials Poor preparation

Extension Task What strategies can be used to increase arousal – for a player to “pump themselves up”? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_CaSu-fnGg&feature=fvst