Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 2 | Reference code | 19M.3.SL.tz0.7 |
Level | Standard Level | Paper | Paper 3 | Time zone | time zone 0 |
Command term | Describe | Question number | 7 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Describe the relationship between arousal and sporting performance for a weightlifter according to the inverted-U hypothesis.
Discuss the effect of specific positive and negative emotions on a cyclist’s performance during an endurance race.
Markscheme
the optimum level of arousal for the weightlifter will tend to be high
OR
initially as arousal increases performance increases «to an optimum level» ✔
above this level of arousal their performance will tend to deteriorate again ✔
there will be individual differences in optimal arousal ✔
a weightlifter feeling under aroused will tend to perform poorly ✔
Award [1 max] for labelled graph
[2 max]
Positive emotions:
excitement masks pain / fatigue / stimulates adrenalin ✔
relief could calm the nerves and increase confidence ✔
joy creates a positive mindset and makes it more likely that they will be optimally aroused ✔
pride will improve motivation and striving to achieve ✔
Negative emotions:
anger may mean that the athlete has tunnel vision and miss key cues ✔
guilt may mean an athlete does not push themselves and they withdraw in the game ✔
fear may mean they may avoid situations and try to avoid contact with others ✔
anxiety may mean they are distracted by their own thoughts and miss cues ✔
boredom may mean that cues are missed due to arousal being low ✔
Award [2 max] for positive or negative.
[3 max]
Examiners report
Students did well with this question. A large number of students did not directly link the question to weightlifting.
This was a difficult question for many students. Many students had difficulty linking specific emotions to the effect on performance. In most cases where links were provided, they were overly general.