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Drive Theory
Quick revise
Research by Hull (1943) and Spence and Spence (1966).
A proportional linear relationship between arousal and performance.
The more a sports person was aroused the better their performance OR P= H X D.
Hull thought drive was synonymous with arousal.
The habit strength was a learned behaviour/ dominant response which occurred more often as drive levels increased.
Problems with Drive Theory
- The habitual behaviour/ dominant response is not always the correct one (think of beginners)
- By increasing drive (arousal) performers often resort to previously learned skills because they are dominant but may be incorrect.
- In later stages of learning increased drive (arousal) would have a positive effect because the dominant response is well learned.
- Even highly skilled players ‘choke’ in highly charged situations.
- Is it possible that in low arousal/ stress situations players will not perform well, but in highly aroused situations, players will get increasingly better?
