Arousal theories

• Narrow attention focus=high arousal optimal attention= optimal arousal broad attention span= low arousal
• Individual Zones of Optimal Functioning

  by Hinin in the 1970s
• IZOF THEORY

  Expands on all theories by arguing that everyone has different optimal arousal levels.

  Everyone can remain in the zone for a period of time during which they can perform on a higher level for longer.
• Catastrophe Theory

  Hardy and Fazey, 1987
• Catastrophe Theory

  Arousal affects performance in a similar fashion to the Inverted U Theory unless an athlete has high levels of cognitive anxiety. High cognitive anxiety + high arousal= catastrophe drop in performance
• What is arousal?


  The level of readiness of an athlete to perform. It can have both a positive and negative effect on performance.
• Drive theory Novice

  Further increase in arousal are unlikely to have any positive effect on thei performance because of current skill level.
• Flow state

  when you are performing in your ideal performance state (IPS)

  arousal level produced optimum attention span.
• Inverted U Theory is by Yerkes and Dodson 1908
• Chocking - occurs when your arousal level has increased and you have moved beyond your IPS. Miss crucial info.