1. AROUSAL
Arousal is the general term for the intensity dimension of behaviour.
Definition
“ the general state of activation or excitation that ranges on a continuum from deep sleep to extreme excitement”
Somatic
Cognitive

2. Types of arousal Physiological /Body / Somatic
Psychological /Mind / Cognitive
Make a list of examples for both types.
Remember that a certain level of arousal is positive but over arousal can lead to a drop in performance so you must think of both positive and negative cognitive examples.

3. Cognitive effects of arousal
Increased focus and concentration
Heightened awareness of important cues in the environment.
Narrowing of attention-ignoring irrelevant stimuli
Decreased reaction time

4. Effects of over arousal
Anxiety and apprehension. Cognitive and somatic.
Tension
Negative self talk
Difficulty sleeping / relaxing
Inability to concentrate – attention on irrelevant stimuli
What are the effects of under arousal?

5. Theories of arousal Drive theory linked to….? (Hull 1943/Spence 1956)
P=f (H x D)
P=performance
H=habit (learned responses/behaviours)
D=drive (arousal)
f=function
As arousal increases, learned behaviour more likely to occur.
Limitations??

6. Inverted U theory Yerkes and dodson (1908) original research
Currently most accepted theory by sports psychologists.
Suggests performance is optimal at moderate arousal levels.
Arousal levels differ for different tasks/skills. (examples of levels/sports)

7. Attentional narrowing
Performers attention/focus becomes narrowed as arousal increases. Does not mean more focus. Negative/positive effect.
Give examples of this.
Arousal and stages of learning.

8. Catastrophe theory Fazey and Hardy (1988)
Catastrophic performance shift when arousal becomes too high.
Due to high levels of cognitive/somatic anxiety.
Give examples of this
RAS