1. Arousal
PHED3

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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?

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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

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

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. Discuss with a partner what the criticisms of this theory could be…
Skilled performers in the autonomous phase of learning often fail to complete skills in situations of high arousal

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

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

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

20. 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)

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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

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

28. 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

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

30. Extension Task
What strategies can be used to increase arousal – for a player to “pump themselves up”?