Which concept explains that maximum performance occurs at a moderate level of arousal?

• A. Arousal Theory
• B. Drive Reduction Theory
• C. Sensation seeking theory
• D. Yerkes-Dodson Law

Answer: (D)

Performance peaks at a moderate arousal level. The Yerkes-Dodson Law describes an inverted-U relationship: as arousal increases from low to moderate, performance improves, but beyond the optimal point, further arousal reduces performance. This captures why maximum performance is achieved at a middle level of arousal. Task difficulty matters too: easier tasks can tolerate higher arousal and may even benefit from it, while harder tasks suffer when arousal is too high. Other concepts don’t pinpoint this optimal point: Arousal Theory links motivation to arousal in general without specifying the best level, Drive Reduction Theory focuses on restoring balance after a drive, and Sensation Seeking Theory explains a personality tendency to seek stimulation rather than the precise arousal-performance link.