Psychology Arousal Definition of Arousal An energizing function

Psychology Arousal

Definition of Arousal… • ‘An energizing function that is responsible for the harnessing of the body’s resources for intense & vigorous activity ’ (Sage 1984)

Definitions of Arousal… • ‘A general internal state of physiological & psychological activity & alertness varying from deep sleep to intense excitement and is linked to the intensity dimension of motivation. ’

Definitions of Arousal… • ‘A physiological state of alertness and anticipation which prepares the body for action. ’

Arousal… Welsh Anthem https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=AM 4 m. Il. YK G 9 s Arousal can be seen as a positive aspect of stress and shows how motivated we are by a situation Ryder Cup 2012 Generally the more aroused we are the more interested & excited we are by a situation Tiger Woods

Arousal • Andrew Flintoff • Donald V Atherton

Arousal… • The mental preparation of arousal is commonly known as ‘Psyching Up’ or the readiness to respond • Haka

Drive Theory – Hull 1943… • As arousal levels rise so does performance • Its linear (straight line) • Actual Performance depends on the arousal level of performer & skill level of the performer

Drive Theory – Hull 1943… • Doesn’t take into account type of task performed as it works for some physical tasks e. g. weightlifting but could hinder those that require finer movements e. g. darts or shooting

Inverted U Theory • This theory suggests that arousal improves performance to a certain point known as the Zone of optimum arousal/performance or IPS – Ideal Performing State

Inverted U Theory… • Once you go passed this point performance levels drop off gradually and actually more arousal will not be of any benefit to the performer.

Inverted U theory

Catastrophe Theory… • Here performance increases as arousal increases (as in the Inverted-U Theory) but if arousal gets too high a complete loss of performance occurs in a short space of time

Inverted U Theory… The position of this point can depend on: • Gross skills (weight lifting) require high arousal. Fine skills (snooker) require low level of arousal skill level of the performer • The more skilful the performer, the higher the optimum arousal could be because their actions are autonomous • The more extrovert the performer the higher the arousal likely for optimum performance.

Arousal… • A performers level of arousal is important as relevant levels of arousal are needed to be effective for: • Concentration • Attention • Decision making

Cue Utilization Theory… • States that relevant cues are used to focus the performers attention as arousal levels increase in order to complete the task successfully. However if arousal increases to an unacceptable level a performer may miss vital cues causing a reduction in performance.

Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning… • All athletes have different levels of arousal that enables them to perform to their maximum • Some perform best with low arousal, others need high levels. • Everyone's situation is different, therefore everyone's arousal is different.

Choking • An high level of anxiety and arousal, under extreme pressure can lead to a serious deterioration in a performance which is normally routine to that performer