1. 1.5- Theories of Arousal What is the Drive theory?
What is the Inverted U theory?
What is the Catastrophe theory?

2. Drive Theory (Hull, 1943) Ronaldo
Proposed a linear relationship between arousal and performance
As arousal increases so will quality of performance
Higher levels of arousal would intensify the dominant response
For Elite performers this is likely to be correct response
For beginners likely to be incorrect response
Spence and Spence (1968) adapted it using an equation:-
Performance = Habit strength x drive
Now considered an inadequate explanation
When arousal reaches a high enough point performance will not improve
Ronaldo

3. Inverted U Hypothesis (Yerkes and Doson, 1908)
Suggests that performance will increase with arousal to an optimum point.
However if you go beyond that point then performance will decrease
From observations this seems to fit very well, however, it is too simplistic
Does it apply equally to the different phases of learning?
Does it apply to all sports performance in the same way?

4. Does it apply equally to the different phases of learning?
Beginners find it more difficult to cope with arousal
Less habitual (Similar to Drive theory)
Need to give more attention to the skill itself and arousal levels make take concentration away
Rely heavily on environmental cues, may miss what is unexpected
Performance
Arousal
Cognitive
Associative
Autonomous

5. Does it apply to all sports performance in the same way?
Can vary according to the skill being performed
Gross skills benefit from higher levels of arousal then fine skills
Shot Putt compared to Archery
Can vary within a sport dependant upon role
Rugby forwards compared to backs Lion's team talk
Performance
Arousal
Fine/
Complex
Gross/
Simple

6. Catastrophe theory A D C B Performance Arousal The worst over ever?
Based upon Inverted U theory but differs in what happens during over arousal
Inverted U suggests gradual decline
Catastrophe theory suggests much faster and more dramatic decline
More of a model than a theory as it attempts to predict human behaviour rather than explain it
A- Performer reaches Optimum level of arousal
High cognitive anxiety but low Somatic arousal
B- Performer has sudden reduction in performance
High cognitive and High Somatic arousal
C- Possible that performance will continue to deteriorate
D- Performer gradually regains control as arousal levels decrease
Performance
Arousal A B C D
The worst over ever?

7. Catastrophe Theory continued
A high level of cognitive anxiety can be beneficial
As long as it is accompanied by low somatic anxiety
Most likely to occur days before the event
As the event gets nearer…
Somatic anxiety increase to a peak just before the event.
Then normally declines once the performance begins
However if Somatic anxiety doesn’t decrease then it can lead to the Catastrophe occurring