Arousal theories lesson summary

Drive theory suggests that as arousal increases, performance increases. However, with high arousal, the Dominant Response takes over. This Dominant Response or habit is the most well-learned response or the one most likely to occur. Therefore, an expert's DR is well-learned and is likely to be a good one, meaning they will perform well with high arousal. A beginner's DR is not well-learned and is likely to be a poor one, meaning they will perform badly with high arousal.
Inverted-U theory suggests that as arousal increases performance increases up to an optimal point which is moderate levels of arousal. However, as arousal increases past this point, performance decreases. Cue Utilisation theory explains why this is the case. This theory suggests that with low levels of arousal, focus is too broad and the performer takes in too many cues. Selective attention occurs with moderate arousal and high levels of arousal mean attentional narrowing occurs, meaning the performer takes in too few cues.
Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning suggests that there is a zone of optimal arousal, not a point and that different performers have their zone at different levels of arousal. Some performers enjoy low levels of arousal or remaining calm, others enjoy being pumped up with high levels of arousal. Where the zone is can depend on 3 main factors - personality, the task and experience. Extroverts enjoy high levels of arousal whereas introverts like low levels of arousal. Complex skills require low levels of arousal whereas simple skills need high levels. Experts can deal with high levels of arousal whereas beginners cannot and need low levels.
Catastrophe theory looks at the relationship between arousal and performance under conditions of high cognitive anxiety. Under these conditions, performance increases as arousal increases and indeed a performer can have an excellent performance if they keep arousal under control. However, if over-arousal occurs, a dramatic decline in performance (catastrophe) occurs. If the performer has time (half time, timeout etc) to lower their arousal levels, they may be able to get back to optimal performance.
Peak Flow occurs with the best performances. It happens when the performer is in the zone with optimal levels of arousal. The performer is extremely confident and focused and success seems effortless.