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Questions and Answers
Define drive theory.
Define drive theory.
A theory of arousal that proposes a linear relationship between arousal and performance - as arousal increases so does the quality of performance.
Which of the following are characteristics of drive theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are characteristics of drive theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are problems with drive theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are problems with drive theory? (Select all that apply)
What is the Inverted U theory?
What is the Inverted U theory?
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Which of the following are characteristics of Inverted U theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are characteristics of Inverted U theory? (Select all that apply)
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Which of the following are problems with Inverted U theory? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are problems with Inverted U theory? (Select all that apply)
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Define catastrophe theory.
Define catastrophe theory.
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What does Point A on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
What does Point A on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
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What does Point B on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
What does Point B on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
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What does Point C on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
What does Point C on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
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What does Point D on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
What does Point D on the catastrophe theory diagram indicate?
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Study Notes
Drive Theory
- Proposes a direct, linear relationship between arousal and performance; higher arousal leads to better performance (Hull, 1943).
- Elite performers benefit from increased arousal as their dominant responses are habitual and effective.
- Beginners may struggle with high arousal as their dominant responses might be incorrect, leading to performance deterioration.
- Excessive arousal can hinder beginners' ability to concentrate.
Problems with Drive Theory
- The notion that habitual behavior is always correct is flawed, particularly for cognitive learners who may not exhibit dominant responses.
- Increasing drive can lead performers to rely on bad habits instead of previously learned skills.
- Even highly skilled athletes can face performance issues under pressure, as illustrated by Federer missing a key serve at Wimbledon.
Inverted U Theory
- Suggests optimal performance is achieved at an ideal level of arousal (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908).
- Performance is suboptimal at low arousal levels due to lack of motivation (athlete not "psyched up").
- Performance improves with increasing arousal until reaching the optimal level.
- Beyond this optimal level, further arousal results in a decline in performance.
- Each athlete has a unique optimal arousal level for peak performance.
Problems with Inverted U Theory
- Critics challenge the idea that optimal arousal consistently occurs at the midpoint of the curve.
- The theory fails to differentiate between the optimal arousal levels required for simple versus complex tasks.
Catastrophe Theory
- Predicts a significant drop in performance when both somatic and cognitive anxiety levels are high (Frazey and Hardy, 1987).
Catastrophe Theory Diagram Points
- Point A: High cognitive anxiety, low somatic anxiety; performance is improved.
- Point B: High levels of both cognitive and somatic anxiety; potential for performance deterioration.
- Point C: Continued decline in performance under high anxiety conditions.
- Point D: Gradual return to original performance levels possible, but not immediately, as long as the performer is actively trying to reduce arousal.
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Description
Explore the key concepts of drive theory and its characteristics through these flashcards. Understand the linear relationship between arousal and performance as proposed by Hull in 1943. Perfect for psychology students looking to deepen their knowledge on arousal theories.
