Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

28 original exam-style questions - 7 pages of questions with a full mark scheme - free printable PDF.

Download PDF Jump to mark scheme (page 8)Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory revision guide

This topic is chapter 4 of GCSE Physical Education: Sport psychology Practice Book.

Next in this strand

4.4 Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory

AQA 8582 · Calculators not allowed · about 55 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

In the context of the inverted-U theory, tick one box to identify what is shown on the horizontal (x) axis of the standard inverted-U graph.

A) Level of arousal
B) Quality of performance
C) Time elapsed during the match
D) Skill classification

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

If a performer's arousal rises past their optimal point during a match, state what is likely to happen to their performance next, according to the inverted-U theory.

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

State one named technique, other than breathing control, that a performer could use to lower their arousal before competing.

(Total for Question 3 is 1 mark)

Explain why a performer who is under-aroused before a match might show low levels of concentration and a lack of urgency in their movements.

(Total for Question 4 is 2 marks)

A swimmer's coach notices that in training the swimmer performs their best 100 m times when they appear 'calm but focused', rather than either very relaxed or very excited. State what this observation suggests about the swimmer's optimal level of arousal for this event.

(Total for Question 5 is 1 mark)

A badminton player about to serve in a decisive rally says to themselves silently, 'stay calm, watch the shuttle'. Identify the arousal-control technique being used, and explain how it could help the player's arousal level.

(Total for Question 6 is 2 marks)

State two symptoms a performer might show when their arousal is too low (under-aroused).

(Total for Question 7 is 2 marks)

Explain one way a coach could help an under-aroused performer raise their arousal level closer to their optimum before a competition.

(Total for Question 8 is 2 marks)

A netball goal shooter is taking a simple, unopposed shot close to the net during a friendly practice session with no crowd.

Suggest, giving a reason, whether this performer is more likely to be under-aroused, at their optimal arousal, or over-aroused.

(Total for Question 9 is 2 marks)

Discuss the inverted-U theory, referring to a named performer of your choice and a named sporting situation, explaining how the theory could be used to help that performer manage their arousal for optimal performance.

(Total for Question 10 is 6 marks)

State one limitation of the inverted-U theory as a way of explaining the relationship between arousal and performance.

(Total for Question 11 is 2 marks)

State what is meant by the term 'arousal' in a sporting context.

(Total for Question 12 is 1 mark)

Which of the following would you expect to have the LOWEST optimal level of arousal?

A) The release in archery
B) A sprint start
C) A rugby tackle
D) A shot put throw

(Total for Question 13 is 1 mark)

The inverted-U theory (Yerkes-Dodson law) describes the relationship between arousal and performance.

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

Describe, in words, the shape of the graph produced when performance is plotted against arousal according to the inverted-U theory.

(Total for Question 14 is 2 marks)

A rugby coach gives the whole team an energetic, loud team talk immediately before kick-off, even though some players are naturally calm and others are naturally easily excitable.

Explain one problem with using a single, identical method to manage arousal for an entire team rather than for each individual performer.

(Total for Question 15 is 3 marks)

A gymnast is learning a new balance sequence on the beam, while an experienced sprinter is practising a simple explosive start they have performed many times. Compare their likely optimal levels of arousal, and explain the reason for the difference.

(Total for Question 16 is 3 marks)

State what is meant by 'optimal arousal'.

(Total for Question 17 is 1 mark)

Explain one similarity and one difference between controlled breathing and mental rehearsal as techniques used to lower arousal before performance.

(Total for Question 18 is 2 marks)

A 400 m hurdler needs to combine high running speed with precise timing of each hurdle clearance. State whether this event is likely to have a HIGH or a LOW optimal level of arousal compared with archery, and give one reason for your answer.

(Total for Question 19 is 2 marks)

State one way a coach could collect evidence to estimate a performer's optimal level of arousal for a given skill.

(Total for Question 20 is 1 mark)

Discuss how a football team's manager could use knowledge of the inverted-U theory when preparing different players in the squad for a cup final, applying your answer to at least two named playing positions with different optimal arousal needs (for example a goalkeeper and a central striker), and reach a judgement about why a single pre-match approach for the whole squad would not be ideal.

(Total for Question 21 is 6 marks)

Which of the following performers is showing signs of being over-aroused before competing?

A) A sprinter who feels calm, focused and slightly excited before the race
B) A footballer whose hands are shaking, whose muscles feel tight and who has rushed and misjudged two simple passes
C) A swimmer who is fully warmed up and ready to race at the sound of the gun
D) A gymnast who is calmly visualising their routine before performing

(Total for Question 22 is 1 mark)

Explain one way a coach could help an over-aroused performer bring their arousal level down closer to their optimum before a competition.

(Total for Question 23 is 2 marks)

A darts player throwing for a match-winning double describes feeling their 'hands shake slightly and their focus narrow onto only the dartboard, losing awareness of the crowd around them'. Explain, using the inverted-U theory, why arousal that has risen too far past this player's optimal point could reduce their accuracy.

(Total for Question 24 is 2 marks)

Oliwia is a weightlifter about to attempt a maximum deadlift. Callum is a snooker player about to attempt a long, precise pot.

(a)State whether Oliwia's deadlift or Callum's snooker shot is likely to have a higher optimal level of arousal.(1)

(b)Justify your answer to part (a).(2)

(Total for Question 25 is 3 marks)

State whether a beginner performer or an experienced, elite performer is more likely to be able to perform well at a slightly higher level of arousal in the same skill, and give a reason.

(Total for Question 26 is 2 marks)

Explain why arousal-control techniques, such as controlled breathing, should be practised regularly in training rather than being tried for the first time in a major competition.

(Total for Question 27 is 2 marks)

Two performers have exactly the same heart rate and the same physical symptoms before a big match. One describes the feeling as 'exciting', the other describes it as 'terrifying'.

Explain why the same physical level of arousal might affect these two performers' actual performance differently.

(Total for Question 28 is 2 marks)

Mark scheme · 4.4 Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory

Question 1

B1 A
Answer: A (Level of arousal)

Question 2

B1 performance will start to decline/get worse, oe
Answer: Their performance will start to decline.

Question 3

B1 any valid technique, e.g. progressive muscular relaxation, mental rehearsal/imagery, or positive self-talk, oe
Answer: For example, progressive muscular relaxation.

Question 4

B1 arousal below the performer's optimal level means the body and mind are not sufficiently 'switched on'/alert for the task, oe
B1 so attention drifts and physical readiness (e.g. reaction speed, effort) stays lower than the situation demands, oe
Answer: Arousal below the performer's optimal level means the body and mind are not sufficiently switched on for the task, so attention drifts and physical readiness stays lower than the situation demands.

Question 5

B1 the swimmer's optimal arousal for this event is at a moderate level, not too low or too high, oe
Answer: It suggests the swimmer's optimal level of arousal for the 100 m event is moderate, rather than very low or very high.

Question 6

B1 positive self-talk/a calming cue word, oe
B1 repeating a short, calming phrase can help lower arousal and keep attention on the relevant cue (the shuttle) rather than on anxious thoughts, oe
Answer: This is positive self-talk, using a calming cue word. Repeating a short, calming phrase can help lower arousal and keep the player's attention on the relevant cue, the shuttle, rather than on anxious thoughts.

Question 7

B1 any one of: lack of concentration/focus, low motivation, sluggish/slow reactions, lack of effort, oe
B1 a second, distinct symptom from the list above, oe
Answer: For example, lack of concentration and low motivation.

Question 8

B1 a valid technique, e.g. an energetic warm-up, upbeat music, or a motivational team talk, oe
B1 linked explanation of how it raises arousal, e.g. an energetic warm-up raises heart rate and increases mental readiness/focus, oe
Answer: For example, an energetic warm-up, which raises heart rate and increases mental readiness and focus, helping bring an under-aroused performer's arousal level up towards their optimum.

Question 9

B1 likely to be under-aroused, oe
B1 reason: the low-pressure, unopposed, low-importance situation gives little to raise arousal, so motivation/focus could be low, oe
Answer: Likely to be under-aroused, because the low-pressure, unopposed, low-importance practice situation gives little to raise arousal, so the performer's motivation and focus could be lower than in a real competitive match.

Question 10

Level 3 (5-6): A detailed and coherent response that accurately explains the inverted-U theory (including that optimal arousal differs by skill/performer) and applies it specifically to the named performer and situation, with a clear, sensible strategy for managing their arousal. Sustained, accurate use of sport psychology terminology.
Level 2 (3-4): Mostly accurate explanation of the inverted-U theory with some application to the named performer and situation, though the link between the theory and the specific example may be underdeveloped. Generally correct use of terminology.
Level 1 (1-2): Basic or generic statements about arousal and performance with little or no accurate reference to the inverted-U shape or specific application to the named example.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- Definition: the inverted-U theory states that performance improves as arousal increases, up to an optimal point, after which further increases in arousal cause performance to decline again, producing an upside-down U-shaped graph.
- Optimal arousal is not fixed: it varies between performers and, importantly, between skills - gross/simple skills generally have a higher optimal arousal than fine/complex skills.
- Application: correctly identifies whether the named performer's situation demands a fine or gross skill, and reasons about roughly where their optimal arousal should sit as a result.
- Strategy if likely over-aroused: e.g. controlled breathing, relaxation techniques, positive self-talk, narrowing focus onto a simple process goal, to bring arousal down towards the optimum.
- Strategy if likely under-aroused: e.g. an energetic warm-up, upbeat music, a motivational team talk, to raise arousal up towards the optimum.
- Evaluative point: because the theory predicts a decline in performance on both sides of the peak, simply trying to maximise arousal (or minimise it) is not the correct strategy; the goal is always to move towards the performer's specific optimum, not towards one extreme.
- Evaluative point/limitation: the theory is a simplified model; in reality other factors (personality type, experience level, and the performer's own anxiety/interpretation of arousal) also affect how a given arousal level is experienced, so the optimal point can shift for the same performer over time.

Question 11

B1 it treats optimal arousal as a single fixed point, oe
B1 when in reality the theory does not fully account for individual differences between performers (e.g. personality, experience) that can shift where that optimal point actually is, oe
Answer: It treats optimal arousal as a single fixed point on a graph, but does not fully account for individual differences between performers, such as personality or experience, which can shift where that optimal point actually is.

Question 12

B1 a performer's level of physical and mental readiness/alertness/excitement to perform, oe
Answer: A performer's level of physical and mental readiness or excitement to perform.

Question 13

B1 A
Answer: A

Question 14

B1 performance starts low at low arousal and rises as arousal increases, oe
B1 performance peaks at a moderate/optimal level of arousal, then falls again as arousal increases further, forming an upside-down U (inverted-U) shape, oe
Answer: Performance starts low at low arousal, rises as arousal increases, peaks at a moderate, optimal level of arousal, and then falls again as arousal increases further, forming an upside-down U shape.

Question 15

B1 different players are likely to have different optimal levels of arousal and different starting points before the talk, oe
B1 an energetic team talk could push an already excitable player past their optimal point (over-aroused), while it may correctly raise a naturally calm player towards theirs, oe
B1 so the same method can help some players and harm others at the same time, oe
Answer: Different players are likely to have different optimal levels of arousal and different starting points, so an energetic team talk could push an already excitable player past their optimal point into over-arousal, while correctly raising a naturally calm player towards theirs, meaning the same method can help some players and harm others at the same time.

Question 16

B1 the gymnast is likely to need a lower optimal level of arousal than the sprinter, oe
B1 because a new/complex balance sequence needs controlled concentration and precise movement, and high arousal could disrupt balance/timing, oe
B1 whereas a simple, well-learned sprint start is explosive/gross and can benefit from a higher level of arousal, oe
Answer: The gymnast is likely to need a lower optimal level of arousal because the new balance sequence is complex and precise, so over-arousal could disrupt concentration and balance. The experienced sprinter's simple explosive start can benefit from a higher level of arousal.

Question 17

B1 the ideal/best level of arousal for a performer to produce their best possible performance, oe
Answer: The ideal level of arousal at which a performer produces their best possible performance.

Question 18

B1 similarity, e.g. both can help the performer focus attention and reduce anxiety/over-arousal before performing, oe
B1 difference, e.g. controlled breathing mainly lowers physical symptoms such as breathing rate/heart rate, whereas mental rehearsal uses imagery of a successful performance to improve confidence/focus, oe
Answer: Similarity: both can help the performer focus and reduce over-arousal before performing. Difference: controlled breathing mainly lowers physical symptoms such as breathing rate, while mental rehearsal uses imagery of successful performance to improve confidence and focus.

Question 19

B1 higher than archery, oe
B1 because although precise hurdle timing is needed, the event also demands gross muscular power and speed over the whole race, which benefits from a higher arousal level than a purely fine, static skill like archery, oe
Answer: Higher than archery. Although precise hurdle timing is needed, the 400 m hurdles also demands gross muscular power and speed throughout the race, which benefits from a higher level of arousal than a purely fine, static skill such as archery.

Question 20

B1 record performance alongside arousal indicators such as heart rate, self-ratings, observation notes or competition results across repeated practices, oe
Answer: They could record performance alongside arousal indicators such as heart rate, self-ratings or observation notes across repeated practices.

Question 21

Level 3 (5-6): A well-developed discussion that applies the inverted-U theory clearly and accurately to at least two named positions with contrasting demands, explains why their optimal arousal differs, and reaches a clear, well-justified judgement about why a uniform pre-match approach is not ideal for the whole squad.
Level 2 (3-4): Some accurate application of the theory to named positions, but the contrast between them may be underdeveloped, or the judgement about a uniform approach is only partly explained.
Level 1 (1-2): Basic or generic statements about arousal with little or no application to specific playing positions, and no clear judgement.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- A goalkeeper needs sustained concentration and fine judgement of shot placement and distance, closer to a fine skill, so their optimal arousal is likely to be lower than an outfield attacker's, and over-arousing a goalkeeper before kick-off risks costly errors of judgement.
- A central striker's role involves gross, powerful, explosive actions (sprinting into space, shooting with power), so a higher level of arousal is likely to be closer to their optimum, and an energetic pre-match approach may suit them better than the goalkeeper.
- Using the same loud, highly motivational team talk for the entire squad risks pushing already highly-strung or naturally anxious players (who may include the goalkeeper) past their optimal point into the descending, performance-reducing side of the inverted-U curve.
- The same generic approach could also under-arouse a naturally calm player who actually needs more stimulation to reach their optimum, so treating arousal preparation individually, rather than as one team talk for everyone, would better match each player to their own optimal level.
- A manager applying the theory well might give individual, position-specific instructions or techniques (e.g. calming self-talk for the goalkeeper, an energising cue for the striker) rather than relying on one shared pre-match speech for the whole squad.
- A balanced judgement should conclude that because optimal arousal varies with the nature of the skill/position, a single approach cannot suit every player, so at least some individualised preparation is needed for the squad to perform closer to its collective best.

Question 22

B1 B
Answer: B

Question 23

B1 a valid technique, e.g. deep/controlled breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, or positive self-talk, oe
B1 linked explanation of how it lowers arousal, e.g. slow breathing reduces heart rate and eases muscle tension, oe
Answer: For example, controlled deep breathing, which slows the heart rate and eases muscle tension, helping bring an over-aroused performer's arousal level back down towards their optimum.

Question 24

B1 shaking hands shows increased muscle tension, which directly disrupts the fine motor control a precise throw needs, oe
B1 once arousal passes the optimal point performance falls, as shown by the descending right-hand side of the inverted-U graph, oe
Answer: Shaking hands shows increased muscle tension, which disrupts the fine motor control a precise dart throw needs, and once arousal rises past the optimal point performance falls, as shown by the descending right-hand side of the inverted-U graph.

Question 25

(a) B1 Oliwia's deadlift
(a) Answer: Oliwia's deadlift.
(b) B1 a deadlift is a gross skill relying on maximum strength/large muscle groups, which is helped by high arousal, oe
(b) B1 a snooker shot is a fine skill needing precise, controlled small-muscle movement, which is disrupted by high arousal/muscle tension, oe
(b) Answer: A deadlift is a gross, strength-based skill that benefits from high arousal, while a snooker shot is a fine, precision skill whose small-muscle control is disrupted by high arousal and muscle tension, so it needs a lower optimal level.

Question 26

B1 an experienced/elite performer, oe
B1 reason: with more practice/experience the skill becomes more automatic, so it is more resistant to the effects of higher arousal than a beginner's less secure technique, oe
Answer: An experienced or elite performer, because their technique is more practised and automatic, making it more resistant to the disruptive effects of higher arousal than a beginner's less secure, still-developing technique.

Question 27

B1 a technique that has been well-practised becomes more automatic/reliable, so it can be used effectively even under the pressure of competition, oe
B1 trying an unfamiliar technique for the first time under pressure is unlikely to work well and could even add to the performer's stress, oe
Answer: A well-practised technique becomes more automatic and reliable, so it can be used effectively even under competition pressure, whereas trying an unfamiliar technique for the first time under pressure is unlikely to work well and could even add to the performer's stress.

Question 28

B1 how a performer interprets/labels their arousal (as positive excitement or as negative anxiety) affects the effect it has, not just the raw physical level itself, oe
B1 the performer who interprets it positively is more likely to perform well, while the one who interprets it negatively is more likely to be disrupted by it, even at the same physical arousal level, oe
Answer: How a performer interprets or labels their arousal, as positive excitement or as negative anxiety, affects the effect it has on their performance, not just the raw physical level itself; the performer who interprets it positively is more likely to perform well, while the one who interprets it negatively is more likely to be disrupted, even though their physical arousal is identical.

Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

Next in this strand

Related topics

4.4 Sport Psychology: Arousal and the Inverted-U Theory

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Question 14

Question 15

Question 16

Question 17

Question 18

Question 19

Question 20

Question 21

Question 22

Question 23

Question 24

Question 25

Question 26

Question 27

Question 28

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Question 7

Question 8

Question 9

Question 10

Question 11

Question 12

Question 13

Question 14

Question 15

Question 16

Question 17

Question 18

Question 19

Question 20

Question 21

Question 22

Question 23

Question 24

Question 25

Question 26

Question 27

Question 28