Arousal is a physical and mental state of alertness or readiness. Arousal varies from deep sleep to intense excitement.

What is the optimal level of arousal?

The optimal level of arousal is the level at which performance is at its best. The top of the inverted-U curve marks the optimal level.

How does under-arousal affect performance?

An under-aroused performer is not alert enough and may lack motivation and concentration. Reactions are slow and effort is low, so performance is poor.

How does over-arousal affect performance?

An over-aroused performer becomes anxious and tense and loses concentration. Decisions become rushed and mistakes increase, so performance falls.

AQA GCSE Physical Education 8582

Applied Anatomy and Physiology

Topic overview Bones and the functions of the skeleton Joints, joint actions, ligaments and tendons Muscles and antagonistic pairs The pathway of air and gaseous exchange Blood vessels The heart, the cardiac cycle and cardiac output Mechanics of breathing and spirometer traces Aerobic and anaerobic exercise Recovery from exercise and EPOC Short- and long-term effects of exercise

Movement Analysis

Topic overview Lever systems and mechanical advantage Joint movements in sporting actions Planes and axes of movement

Physical Training

Topic overview Health, fitness and exercise Components of fitness Fitness tests and their data Principles of training Types of training Training intensities and one rep max Injury prevention, altitude training and training seasons Warm up and cool down

Use of Data

Topic overview Collecting and presenting data Analysing and evaluating data

Sports Psychology

Topic overview Classification of skills Goal setting and SMART targets Information processing Types of guidance Types of feedback Arousal, the inverted-U theory and stress management Aggression, personality and motivation

Socio-Cultural Influences

Topic overview Engagement patterns and participation in sport Commercialisation, sponsorship and the media Impacts of sponsorship, the media and technology Etiquette, sportsmanship and gamesmanship Performance-enhancing drugs and blood doping Spectator behaviour and hooliganism

Health, Fitness and Wellbeing

Topic overview Physical, emotional and social health and wellbeing Sedentary lifestyles and obesity Somatotypes Energy use and a balanced diet Nutrients and hydration

Sports Psychology

Arousal, the inverted-U theory and stress management

3 things to know
Paper 2

Overview

Arousal and the inverted-U theory, under- and over-arousal, the arousal each skill needs, and deep breathing, mental rehearsal and positive self-talk.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is arousal?

Key term

What are the axes of an inverted-U graph?

Key term

Describe the shape of the inverted-U graph.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is arousal?
Model answer
Arousal is a physical and mental state of alertness or readiness. Arousal varies from deep sleep to intense excitement.
2
What are the axes of an inverted-U graph?
Model answer
The y axis shows performance level, from low to high. The x axis shows arousal level, from low to high.
3
Describe the shape of the inverted-U graph.
Model answer
Performance rises as arousal increases, up to a peak at a moderate level of arousal. Performance then falls as arousal keeps rising, giving the shape of an upside-down U.
4
What is the optimal level of arousal?
Model answer
The optimal level of arousal is the level at which performance is at its best. The top of the inverted-U curve marks the optimal level.
5
How does under-arousal affect performance?
Model answer
An under-aroused performer is not alert enough and may lack motivation and concentration. Reactions are slow and effort is low, so performance is poor.
6
How does over-arousal affect performance?
Model answer
An over-aroused performer becomes anxious and tense and loses concentration. Decisions become rushed and mistakes increase, so performance falls.

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Applied Anatomy and Physiology

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The ribs and the form the chest.

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AThe aerobic training zone of a 20-year-old is 120–160 bpm.

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