Drive, inverted-U and catastrophe theories

Overview

Drive theory and the dominant response for experts and novices, the inverted-U with skill type and expertise, catastrophe theory, recovering after a catastrophe, and how the theories compare.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What does drive theory state?

   Model answer

   Drive theory states that performance increases in proportion to arousal because arousal strengthens the dominant response. For a well-learned skill that improves performance, but for a novice it makes errors more likely.

2. 2

   What is the dominant response in drive theory?

   Model answer

   The dominant response is the behaviour a performer is most likely to produce. High arousal makes the dominant response more likely.

3. 3

   Why does drive theory suggest high arousal helps experts but hinders novices?

   Model answer

   An expert's dominant response is correct, so high arousal improves performance. A novice's dominant response is often wrong, so errors increase.

4. 4

   What is the main criticism of drive theory?

   Model answer

   Drive theory cannot explain why experts sometimes perform badly under very high arousal. Performance does not always keep rising.

5. 5

   What does the inverted-U theory state?

   Model answer

   The inverted-U theory states that performance improves with arousal up to an optimum point. Beyond the optimum, performance declines.

6. 6

   How does the type of skill affect the optimum level of arousal?

   Model answer

   Fine, complex skills need low arousal. Gross, simple skills need higher arousal.

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