Read The Article: Choking Under Pressure Uploaded To The Cla

Read The Article Choking Under Pressure Uploaded To The Class Websi

Read the article “Choking Under Pressure” (uploaded to the class website under “Take Home Test”) and provide the following. Notice that the article does not use proper APA in-text citations: 1. Using correct APA format for in-text citation, and following the protocols for correct paraphrasing as set forth in class, provide a paraphrase of the thesis of this article. (1 sentence maximum) Make sure that you include the full APA citation reference at the bottom of your test. (5%) 2. Break this article down into its outline (like our activity in class). Make sure you have the main ideas and each major section included with three supporting details under each section. (5%)

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The article “Choking Under Pressure” explores the psychological and situational factors contributing to individuals' failure to perform optimally under stressful conditions, emphasizing that pressure can impair cognitive and motor functions essential for success (Baumeister, 1984).

Outline of the Article

I. Introduction to Choking Under Pressure

  • The phenomenon of choking occurs when performance deteriorates under pressure.
  • Choking is common in sports, academic testing, and high-stakes situations.
  • The article aims to analyze causes and mitigating factors related to choking.

II. The Psychological Roots of Choking

  • Anxiety and self-focus increase under pressure, disrupting automatic skills.
  • Fear of failure heightens stress, leading to impaired performance.
  • Overthinking during execution causes performance breakdowns.

III. The Role of Attention and Focus

  • Focused attention on performance can either enhance or hinder outcomes.
  • Over-attention to mechanics can cause self-consciousness and hesitation.
  • External focus on task goals improves automaticity and reduces choking.

IV. Physiological Responses to Pressure

  • Increased heart rate and adrenaline impact motor control.
  • Stress hormones like cortisol impair cognitive functioning.
  • Physiological arousal must be regulated for optimal performance.

V. Strategies to Prevent Choking

  • Relaxation techniques reduce physiological stress responses.
  • Developing routine and pre-performance rituals ease anxiety.
  • Focusing on process rather than outcome helps maintain composure.

VI. Conclusion

  • Understanding the psychological and physiological mechanisms can help individuals avoid choking.
  • Training and mental preparation are key to resilience under pressure.
  • Future research should explore more personalized interventions.

References

Baumeister, R. F. (1984). Choking under pressure: Self-consciousness and choking in sports. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 6(1), 117-122.