Question

In Experiment 1, which of the following hypotheses would most reasonably account for the post-experimental statements made by those in the neutral condition?

A.A performer's anxiety need not adversely affect performance.

B.A performer's anxiety can be reduced with no effect on performance.

C.An audience can affect a performance by reducing performance anxiety.

D.An audience can affect a performance by causing performance anxiety.

Answer 1

The hypothesis that an audience can affect a performance by causing performance anxiety is the most reasonable account for the post-experimental statements by those in the neutral condition, according to the principles of the Yerkes-Dodson law.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Experiment 1, the hypothesis that would most reasonably account for the post-experimental statements made by those in the neutral condition is that an audience can affect a performance by causing performance anxiety. This hypothesis aligns with the idea presented by the Yerkes-Dodson law, which states that moderate arousal is generally best for performance, and too much or too little arousal can impair performance. The neutral condition in the experiment may reflect a baseline where performance anxiety is not influenced by the audience. Considering the details provided, such as an audience's presence reducing performance anxiety or a performer's anxiety not affecting their performance, these seem less direct in accounting for the statements from the neutral condition compared to the hypothesis about an audience causing performance anxiety.