1.5- Theories of Arousal

What is the Drive theory?

What is the Inverted U theory?

What is the Catastrophe theory?1.5- Theories of ArousalDrive Theory (Hull, 1943)Proposed a linear relationship between arousal and performanceAs arousal increases so will quality of performance

Higher levels of arousal would intensify the dominant responseFor Elite performers this is likely to be correct responseFor beginners likely to be incorrect response

Spence and Spence (1968) adapted it using an equation:-Performance = Habit strength x drive

Now considered an inadequate explanationWhen arousal reaches a high enough point performance will not improve RonaldoInverted 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 simplisticDoes it apply equally to the different phases of learning?Does it apply to all sports performance in the same way?

Does it apply equally to the different phases of learning?Beginners find it more difficult to cope with arousalLess habitual (Similar to Drive theory)Need to give more attention to the skill itself and arousal levels make take concentration awayRely heavily on environmental cues, may miss what is unexpected

PerformanceArousalCognitiveAssociativeAutonomousDoes it apply to all sports performance in the same way?Can vary according to the skill being performedGross skills benefit from higher levels of arousal then fine skillsShot Putt compared to ArcheryCan vary within a sport dependant upon roleRugby forwards compared to backsLion's team talkPerformanceArousalFine/ ComplexGross/SimpleCatastrophe theoryBased upon Inverted U theory but differs in what happens during over arousalInverted U suggests gradual declineCatastrophe theory suggests much faster and more dramatic declineMore of a model than a theory as it attempts to predict human behaviour rather than explain it

PerformanceArousalABCDA- 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 decreaseThe worst over ever?Catastrophe Theory continuedA high level of cognitive anxiety can be beneficialAs long as it is accompanied by low somatic anxietyMost likely to occur days before the event

As the event gets nearerSomatic anxiety increase to a peak just before the event.Then normally declines once the performance beginsHowever if Somatic anxiety doesnt decrease then it can lead to the Catastrophe occurring