The inverted U model describes the relationship between arousal and performance as which?

The inverted U model describes the relationship between arousal and performance as which?

• A. Linear relationship
• B. Curvilinear relationship (inverted U)
• C. Exponential growth
• D. Random association

Answer: (B)

Arousal and performance follow a curvilinear pattern: as arousal increases from low to moderate, performance improves, reaching an optimal level, but further increases in arousal beyond that point reduce performance. This inverted U shape is encapsulated by the Yerkes-Dodson law, which means there’s a sweet spot of arousal that yields the best performance. Too little arousal can leave you unfocused or under-motivated, while too much arousal can cause anxiety, tense muscles, and mistakes, especially on complex tasks. A linear view would suggest performance keeps rising with arousal, which isn’t supported; exponential growth would imply endless increase, which also doesn’t fit the decline at high arousal; and a random association would imply no pattern, which isn’t the case here.

Arousal and performance follow a curvilinear pattern: as arousal increases from low to moderate, performance improves, reaching an optimal level, but further increases in arousal beyond that point reduce performance. This inverted U shape is encapsulated by the Yerkes-Dodson law, which means there’s a sweet spot of arousal that yields the best performance. Too little arousal can leave you unfocused or under-motivated, while too much arousal can cause anxiety, tense muscles, and mistakes, especially on complex tasks. A linear view would suggest performance keeps rising with arousal, which isn’t supported; exponential growth would imply endless increase, which also doesn’t fit the decline at high arousal; and a random association would imply no pattern, which isn’t the case here.