Motivation is linked to the intensity and direction of behaviour. Arousal levels are represented by the intensity aspect of motivation. It is a state of alertness and anticipation, with its purpose being to prepare the body for action. Physiological effects of this arousal include increased heart beat, breathing and sweat production. For maintaining all types of motivation whilst participating in sport it is a key factor. However, arousal levels can be negative as well as positive. The Yerkes Dodson Law states that ‘performance increases as arousal increases, but only up to a certain point, where higher levels of arousal will result in a decreased level of performance.’
An example of this is in a netball match where the GS gets ‘psyched up’ as her state of readiness and expectation increases. However, if the GS’ arousal level becomes too high she may lose concentration and feel over aroused (or ‘stressed out’) and overshoot the ball. Arousal greatly effects motivation, in that it helps to maintain it; aroused athletes are more motivated. The link between arousal and performance can be explained through the drive theory and the inverted U theory.
The drive theory (as shown above) was first developed by Hull in 1943. It shows that the relationship between arousal and performance is proportional; a very high arousal level would result in a high performance. An example of this would be just before a swimming event, the swimmer would have a high level of arousal as they are motivated to win (either by an extrinsic or intrinsic motive, or both) and so this would therefore mean a high level of performance. This theory would apply to team and racket games as well as an individual activity. For example in a squash match if the player has a high arousal level and is very motivated then he will aim to succeed and have a high quality of performance. The inverted U theory, shows that ‘as arousal increases, so does performance, but only to an optimum point, which usually occurs at moderate arousal levels. Once past this, performance usually decreases.’ (Yerkes and Dodson 1908.)
In my experience this theory fits many points of view for athletes and sports performers. The inverted U theory (as shown on the previous page) suggests that performance depends on a complex interaction between arousal and cognitive state anxiety. However, if an athlete is not very worried, then they would perform at a moderate level of physiological arousal; small increases in arousal will only cause minor problems with performance. However, if this athlete is very worried then even a small increase in physiological arousal can cause deterioration. For example, in a game of badminton, if the individual does not feel aroused then the effects of this would be noticeable in the match. However, it differs in the type of activity or game that it is relating to. For example, in a team game such as netball, the players may feel more comfortable as they have their team for extra support and confidence, whereas in an individual sport there is no support form other team mates and so the individual has to rely on themselves, and so the pressure may be high. This would therefore affect both confidence and arousal. This therefore shows that the role of motivation is extremely high in enhancing sports performances.
Factor’s that have been closely linked to motivation are self confidence and self efficiency. These can affect choice, effort and persistence. Self-efficacy represents the belief that ‘one can successfully negotiate a chosen course of action, such as the execution of a particular sports skill. It can be described as a kind of situation-specific self-confidence’ (Bandura 1986.) Individuals with hight self efficiacy enter into a competition with more confidence and knowledge which can improve their performance greatly. For example, in a swimming event, if the swimmer knows that she is number one in the county then their self confidence in that event is going to be high. However, if it was an event where the swimmer was not so confident (not their stroke) then their self efficacy is going to be much lower, and therefore their confidence too.
It is clear that the role of motivation in enhancing a sports performance is extremely important. I have shown that multiple things can affect a person’s willingness or eagerness to take part in sport. After considering some of the major theories and explanations associated with motivation, I can conclude that motivation plays a key part in enhancing a sports performance and also other aspects such as physiology, training, the coach and their overall environment. In reflection, these aspects, the experience of playing in racket, team, and individual sports has allowed me to see that an individual may need more motivation than the other types of games as the support from team mates and encouragement is not there.
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