A-Level PE AQA Sport Psychology: Arousal

An energised state, a readiness to perform

Simply by being watched or by a challenging situation such as a major game

The initial motivation causes increased drive, more effort, more success and a repetition of the same response

At high arousal we pick up less information (attentional narrowing) and focus on the dominant response

If the task is simple or the performer is an expert then the dominant response will be correct
If the task is complex or the performer is a novice then the response may be impaired

The more aroused an elite sports person is the better their performance is due to the dominant response being chosen is habitual

The more a beginner sports person is aroused the more likely the dominant response may be incorrect and high levels of arousal can cause a deterioration in performance

The theory that links arousal and performance by stating that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point at moderate levels of arousal

More arousal causes performance to suffer

Introverts perform best here because they already have high adrenaline levels

Extroverts can tolerate extra adrenaline so this may not really affect them

A novice would perform best because they need to concentrate on lots of info. This would be unfortunate under pressure (high arousal) and would result in the incorrect dominant response

Experts are used to the pressure and can operate on limited info. Dominant response is mainly correct

Fine and complex skills are performed best because they require control and decision making

Gross and simple skills are performed best because they need less control and decision making

. Critics question if optimal arousal always occurs at the mid-point of the curve
. One curve does not explain the different optimal levels of arousal needed for simple and complex tasks

A theory suggesting that increased arousal improves performance to an optimal point but there is a dramatic reduction in performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal

It is an adaptation of the ‘Inverted U Theory’

Increased arousal improves performance to a point but an intense combination of somatic (muscular tension and increased HR) and cognitive (loss of concentration, fear about performance) anxieties causes a dramatic deterioration in performance

. Social loafing
. Ringleman effect
*. Attentional wastage
*. Attentional narrowing
*. Lack of concentration/focus
. Poor selective attention/cues missed
. Slower/poor reaction time/ slower decision making
. Failed to reach zone of optimal functioning/peak flow experience

. Violence
. Break rules
*. Attentional wastage
*. Attentional narrowing
*. Lack of concentration/focus
. Poor selective attention/cues missed
. Slower/poor reaction time/slower decision making
. Failed to reach zone of optimal functioning/peak flow experience

Performers concentration is misdirected to irrelevant cues. It can damage performance especially in novices

Individual loss of motivation in a team player due to a lack of performance identification - efforts aren’t recognised

Occurs when a performer is aroused so they focus on certain cues and ignore others. Linked to dominant response

When a teams performance decreases with group size increasing

Area of controlled arousal and high level performance

Athletes perform best in an area or ‘zone’ that is reached by advanced techniques such as imagery and visualisation

An adapted version of the ‘Inverted U’

. Things flow effortlessly
. A state of supreme confidence
*. Remains calm under the utmost pressure
. The athlete feels that they are in total control of their actions
. Results can be smooth effortless performances

The ultimate intrinsic experience felt by athletes from a positive mental attitude, with supreme confidence, focus and efficiency

Occurs when timing, action and motion appear to be perfect

Characterised by subconscious control and effortless movement

Promoted by positive values of high confidence, positive mental attitude, control and relaxedness

. Poor mental preparation and the failure to reach optimal arousal levels
. Environmental influences - crowd pressure, ref’s decision
. Injury or fatigue

. Highly focused on the task
. Movement of skill feels effortless
*. High levels of confidence
. Clear goals
. Sub-conscious feelings of control

Moderate levels of arousal is not always appropriate due to the nature of the task and the performer’s level. This would be based on whether they are a novice or an expert and if the task is complex or easy. For example, a simple or gross skill is best at high arousal and a simple or fine skill is best at low arousal