An athlete ran in the 100-metre final at an Olympic Games. Compare how anxiety and arousal may have affected the athlete’s performance when competing in this 100-metre final. Provide examples to support your answer. (4 marks)
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Similarities
- Both anxiety and arousal can negatively impact the sprinter’s performance if levels become too high.
- Both factors influence the athlete’s ability to execute optimal technique and can cause muscle tension that restricts smooth movement patterns during the race.
Differences
- Anxiety is a psychological state involving fear and worry about competitive outcome. High anxiety may cause the sprinter to overthink race strategy, leading to delayed reaction time from starting blocks and mental distraction affecting stride mechanics.
- Arousal refers to physiological activation levels. Optimal arousal enhances alertness and muscle readiness for explosive starts. However, excessive arousal creates physical tension that reduces stride length and power output through restricted movement patterns.
Show Worked Solution
Similarities
- Both anxiety and arousal can negatively impact the sprinter’s performance if levels become too high.
- Both factors influence the athlete’s ability to execute optimal technique and can cause muscle tension that restricts smooth movement patterns during the race.
Differences
- Anxiety is a psychological state involving fear and worry about competitive outcome. High anxiety may cause the sprinter to overthink race strategy, leading to delayed reaction time from starting blocks and mental distraction affecting stride mechanics.
- Arousal refers to physiological activation levels. Optimal arousal enhances alertness and muscle readiness for explosive starts. However, excessive arousal creates physical tension that reduces stride length and power output through restricted movement patterns.
♦ Mean mark 49%.