Understanding Performance Under Pressure

The video explores why individuals often fail to perform under pressure, attributing it to the prefrontal cortex focusing on the wrong details due to worries. It suggests techniques like singing to redirect focus and emphasizes practicing under real conditions to bridge the gap between training and performance. Effective test preparation strategies, such as practicing retrieval under timed conditions, are also discussed to help individuals thrive rather than choke under pressure.

What is a common reason we fail to perform well under pressure?

• Lack of preparation

• Concentrating too much due to worries

• External distractions

• Overconfidence

What part of the brain is responsible for helping us focus?

• Parietal lobe

• Temporal lobe

• Prefrontal cortex

• Occipital lobe

How can we 'unhook' the prefrontal cortex from focusing on the wrong things?

• By meditating

• By singing a song

• By exercising

• By sleeping

What is a suggested method to practice for a test?

• Writing notes

• Discussing with peers

• Reading the textbook multiple times

• Retrieving answers from memory under timed conditions

Why is it beneficial to practice under conditions similar to actual performance?

• It reduces anxiety

• It helps us get used to the feeling of being observed

• It improves memory retention

• It increases motivation