1.5- Theories of Arousal

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) 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 Autonomous Associative Cognitive Performance Arousal

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 backsLion's team talk Gross/ Simple Fine/ Complex Performance Arousal

6. Catastrophe theory 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 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 D Performance C B The worst over ever? Arousal

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