Which of the following describes the Yerkes-Dodson law? A) An individual’s belief in his own capabilities or capacities to complete a task influences his ability to complete the task. B) Humans experience a spectrum of needs ranging from basic biological needs to social needs to self-actualization. C) Deviations from homeostasis create physiological needs that result in psychological drive states that direct behavior to meet the need and ultimately bring the system back to homeostasis. D) Simple tasks are performed best when arousal levels are relatively high, yet complex tasks are performed best when arousal levels are low.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D) Simple tasks are performed best when arousal levels are relatively high, yet complex tasks are performed best when arousal levels are low.
Explanation:
The Yerkes-Dodson law describes the relationship between arousal and performance, demonstrating that optimal performance depends on the complexity of the task and the individual’s level of arousal. This law was first introduced in 1908 by psychologists Robert M. Yerkes and John D. Dodson, who found that performance increases with physiological or mental arousal—but only up to a certain point.
For simple or routine tasks, higher levels of arousal improve performance because they increase motivation and focus. In contrast, for complex or difficult tasks, too much arousal can be detrimental. High levels of stress and excitement may cause anxiety and impair cognitive function, leading to decreased performance. Instead, lower levels of arousal allow individuals to concentrate better and execute complex tasks more effectively.
This phenomenon is often depicted as an inverted U-shaped curve, where performance improves with increasing arousal up to an optimal level, after which further arousal results in a decline in performance.
For example:
- A professional athlete in a sprinting event may benefit from high arousal because the task is straightforward and requires explosive energy.
- A chess player needs a calmer state with lower arousal because strategic thinking and problem-solving are required.
The Yerkes-Dodson law has important implications in fields such as education, sports psychology, workplace productivity, and mental health. Understanding this principle can help individuals regulate their arousal levels to enhance their performance in various tasks.