Question

According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, successful performance on a simple task requires __________, whereas successful performance on a difficult and complex task requires __________ .

a) low arousal; high arousal
b) moderate arousal; high arousal
c) low arousal; low arousal
d) high arousal; low arousal

Answer 1

D - High Arousal; Low Arousal

Step-by-step explanation:

The Yerkes Dodson law explains the relationship between arousal and performance. It was posited by Robert M. Yerkes and John Dillingham Dodson in 1908.

The law asserts that there is a direct relationship between arousal and performance. An increase in arousal up to a certain level will enhance performance, and once the optimal threshold is exceeded, performance will begin to decline.

Thus arousal should be kept at a midpoint as too little causes boredom, and too much causes hyperactivity, so moderate arousal is optimal.

A simple task requires higher arousal because it uses less cognitive function and brain power thus higher arousal is required to keep interest; while a difficult task requires low arousal since it requires higher cognitive function, it requires lots of focus and higher arousal is not good for intense focus as it causes hyperactivity.