(The relationship between arousal and
the level of expertise or phase of learning)
The inverted U principle for different tasks
The Inverted U Principle
The inverted U theory predicts that as arousal increases
so does the quality of performance. Quality improves
improves up to a point mid-way along the arousal axis
This point is called the optimum point or the
threshold of arousal and predicts that best
performance occurs at moderate levels or arousal
This is the perfect state in which the potential
to learn and perform well is maximised
At the optimum point the attention of the individual
adjusts to the ideal width and as a result the learner
and performer is able to concentrate fully
With increased focus
the performer detects
only the most important
information. This
process of selective
attentiveness is called
cue-utilisation
When
under-aroused
concentration is
lost because the
attention field of the
performer widens
excessively
The results in
information
overload
Over-arousal
causes the field of
attention to narrow
excessively and as
a result the relevant
environmental cues
are missed
This results in
hypervigilence
Variation of Optimum Point of Arousal
Personality
The person has an extroverted personality type performs and
learns best under conditions of higher arousal, Conversely
introverted function most effectively at a lower threshold of arousal
Level of
experience
An experienced athlete would reach their maximum
performance when arousal is high. The novice would
perform best when their optimum point is lower
Type
of task
Fine movements & complex skills (which require large
amount of attention) require a lower arousal level,
Whereas tackling in football or rugby requires a high level
of arousal (which helps skills requiring speed or strength)