Effects of physiological arousal on the use of imagery rehearsal

The effects of physiological arousal on the use of imagery rehearsal for the performance of a motor task was investigated. Forty-eight right-handed male students performed on a linear slide positioning device on repeated occasions at different levels of arousal (resting; intermediate 110-120 heart beats per minute; high 140-150 heart beats per minute). Subjects in the no imagery group performed 10 trials blindfolded while listening to white noise with a 15 second period in which they were allowed to use imagery rehearsal. A 2 x 3 x 10 ANOVA with repeated measures was conducted using Constant Error, Absolute Error, and Variable Error as dependent variables. A separate 2x3 ANOVA with repeated measures was conducted using the Student's Appraisal of Outcome as the dependent variable. Results indicated significant differences in Trial (p< .0001) and Level (p< .01) main effects and Level by Trial interaction (p< .01) when using Constant Error as the dependent variable. It was proposed that with increased arousal there is a shifting from visual imagery to kinesthetic imagery. Possible explanations of the results are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented.