Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a graph representing the relationship between arousal and performance in sport.
(a) Identify the name of the theory shown in Fig. 1. [1]
(b) Describe what happens to performance when arousal increases beyond the optimal point shown on the graph. [2]
(c) Explain why a performer in archery would need a different level of arousal compared to a performer in rugby. [3]
(a) The theory shown in Fig. 1 is the inverted-U theory. [1]
(b) When arousal increases beyond the optimal point on the graph, performance decreases/declines. [1] The performer may lose concentration, become anxious, experience muscle tension, and begin making more errors. [1] This is represented by the downward slope on the right side of the curve.
(c) An archery performer needs a low level of arousal because archery is a fine skill requiring extreme precision and concentration. [1] If arousal is too high, the archer's hands may shake and their aim will be unsteady, reducing accuracy. [1] A rugby performer needs a higher level of arousal because rugby involves gross skills and physical contact. Aggression and explosive power are beneficial for tackling, scrummaging and carrying the ball, so heightened arousal supports the physical demands of the sport. [1]
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