Diminished Performance

Definition

Diminished performance refers to a decrease in effectiveness or efficiency in executing a motor skill or task. This reduction can occur due to various factors, including increased anxiety, distractions, or an improper focus of attention, which can significantly affect how well someone performs a task, particularly in high-pressure situations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Diminished performance often occurs when individuals shift their focus from external cues, like the environment, to internal cues, such as their own thoughts and feelings about the task.
2. Research shows that a narrow focus of attention can lead to increased anxiety levels, which further contributes to diminished performance.
3. The effects of diminished performance are particularly evident in sports where athletes must execute precise movements under pressure.
4. Strategies to combat diminished performance include focusing externally on the outcome of the task rather than the mechanics of execution.
5. Mindfulness training and relaxation techniques can help improve focus and reduce anxiety, ultimately minimizing the risk of diminished performance.

Review Questions

• How does shifting from an external focus to an internal focus contribute to diminished performance in athletes?
  • When athletes shift their focus from external cues, like their surroundings or the goal of their performance, to internal cues, such as their body movements or thoughts about executing the task, they often become overly self-conscious. This shift can lead to increased anxiety and pressure, causing them to overthink their actions. As a result, this mental distraction can impair their ability to execute skills effectively, leading to diminished performance.
• Evaluate the role of cognitive load in relation to diminished performance during high-pressure situations.
  • Cognitive load plays a critical role in how well an individual performs under pressure. When cognitive demands exceed an individual’s capacity for processing information, it can lead to confusion and errors. In high-pressure situations, if a performer is overloaded with thoughts about potential outcomes or personal expectations, they may struggle to maintain focus on executing the task at hand. Thus, managing cognitive load effectively is essential for optimizing performance and preventing diminished outcomes.
• Synthesize strategies that can help athletes overcome diminished performance due to increased anxiety and improper focus.
  • To help athletes overcome diminished performance linked to anxiety and improper focus, several strategies can be synthesized. First, athletes can benefit from training that emphasizes external focus on outcomes rather than internal mechanics. Incorporating mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques can also reduce anxiety levels. Additionally, structured pre-performance routines can help athletes channel their focus effectively and create consistency. By combining these strategies, athletes can improve their mental state and enhance overall performance even under pressure.

Related terms

Choking: A specific type of diminished performance where an athlete fails to perform optimally under pressure, often due to overthinking or focusing too much on the mechanics of the skill.

Attention Allocation: The process of determining where to focus one’s cognitive resources when performing a task, which can influence performance outcomes.

Cognitive Load:

The amount of mental effort being used in the working memory, which can lead to diminished performance if it exceeds the individual's capacity.