The concept of optimal arousal in relation to performance on a task is depicted here. Performance is maximized at the optimal level of arousal, and it tapers off during under- and overarousal.
Key Takeaways
- The Yerkes-Dodson law states that there is an empirical relationship between stress and performance, and that there is an optimal level of stress corresponding to an optimal level of performance. Generally, practitioners present this relationship as an inverted U-shaped curve.
- Research shows that moderate arousal is generally best; when arousal is very high or very low, performance tends to suffer [Yerkes & Dodson, 1908].
- Robert Yerkes [pronounced “Yerk-EES”] and John Dodson discovered that the optimal arousal level depends on the complexity and difficulty of the task to be performed.
- This relationship is known as Yerkes-Dodson law, which holds that a simple task is performed best when arousal levels are relatively high and complex tasks are best performed when arousal levels are lower.
- The Yerkes-Dodson law’s original formulation derives from a 1908 paper on experiments in Japanese dancing mice learning to discriminate between white and black boxes using electric shocks. This research was largely ignored until the 1950s, when Hebb’s concept of arousal and the “U-shaped curve” led to renewed interest in the Yerkes-Dodson law’s general applications in human arousal and performance.
- The Yerkes-Dodson law has more recently drawn criticism for its poor original experimental design and it's over-extrapolated scope to personality, managerial practices, and even accounts of the reliability of eyewitness testimony.
How the Law Works
The Yerkes-Dodson law describes the empirical relationship between stress and performance. In particular, it posits that performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but only up to a certain point. This is also known as the inverted-U model of arousal.
When stress gets too high, performance decreases. To add more nuance, the shape of the stress-performance curve varies based on the complexity and familiarity of the task.
Task performance is best when arousal levels are in a middle range, with difficult tasks best performed under lower levels of arousal and simple tasks best performed under higher levels of arousal.
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Explain you understanding of, a confederate, and why a researcher might use a confederate in a social psychology research project [create a hypothetical research study that utilizes confederate[s]. Provide an example of a study [describe the study] when a confederate was used in the past in social psychology
refer to intro of ch 14
Averee spends about 3 hrs every Sat at the local nursing home. She spends her time playing cards w/ some of the residents and has many great conversations while she is there. Averee doesn't get paid for her time, but does it because she really enjoys spending time w/ them. Averee is said to be __________.
Intrinsically motivated
George volunteers his time in the emergency room at his local hospital. While he does not get paid for his time, he does expect that being able to list this volunteer work on his resume will help him get into the nursing program he wants to attend. __________ Best explains George's reason to volunteer his time
Extrinsic motivation
According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, successful performance on a simple task requires _______ whereas successful performance on a difficult and complex task requires _________.
High arousal, Low arousal
Having a distorted perception of one's own body, weighing less than one should based on height and weight, and having an intense fear of becoming overweight are symptoms of _________? Whereas the act of bingeing [and feeling one has lost control during the binge] and purging are symptoms of _____?
anorexia nervosa; bulimia nervosa
Christina believes firmly that if she wants good things to come her way, she must work for them to the extend that she can. For this reason, she is volunteering her time at the local food bank. In addition, she is studying extra hard in school in an effort to be admitted into the prestigious social work program she is interested in. Christina is demonstrating____.
an internal locus of control
Nino finds that he sets very high standards of excellence for himself and strives to reach those standards. Nino notices that his desire to reach difficult goals and attain high standards seems to increase as previous as previous goals are met. Nino is said to have ______.
a high need for achievement
David is a physician who asks about symptoms when diagnosing illnesses in his patients. Jack is a physician who asks his patients questions about their lifestyle, their envioroment, their level of stress, and their symptoms when diagnosing illnesses. Based on this information, it is likely that David works from the _____ whereas Jack works from the ________.
Biomedical model, biopsycholosocial model
16 yr old Enzo in involved in many activities at school, plays sports, and gets good grades. His parents report that he has been this way since he was little. Enzo reports having confidence in himself and his abilities. Consequently, he tends to set higher and higher goals for himself and works diligently to achieve them Enzo likely has___.
high degree of self-efficancy
Merrisa believes that getting a good job after college is all about the connections someone has in addition to being at the right place at the right time. merrisa also believes that if a person doesn't get the job he/she wants, it just was not meant to be. Merrisa is demonstrating ______
a external locus of control
List, describe and discuss personal factors that seem to reduce the impact of stress on individuals
Sense of occomism
hardy personally
religious faith
social support
Three things that motivate human behavior?
1. the need to maintain an appropriate level of arousal
2. reducing tension brought about by an unmet need
3. having an unbalanced internal state.
Individuals diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder are at an increased rish for ______
1. suicide
2. alcohol problems
3. depression
4. cognitive problems
Prior to working on self-esteem, Maslow suggests individuals first meet theses four things?
1. Safety and security needs
2. life-sustaining physiological needs
3. the need to be loved
4. the need to be accepted by others.
Be able to explain what you know about projective tests
1. There are no right or wrong answers to these test, Not objective
2. they serve to tap into the unconciousness.
______ is anything that challenges us psychologically or physiologically and warrants some type of adaptation or adjustment.
Stress
________ is a process that causes us to begin and maintain a particular behavior in order to satisfy certain needs or desires
Motivation
Sinse the ___ is the rational part of the personality, it sometimes plays referee between the wishes of the ____ and the ____
Ego
Id ; superego
Explain the locus of control ideas and provide examples to demonstrate your understanding. Discuss how this notion may play into life success.
refer to sheet
____ targets the stressor itself whereas _______ deals with the emotional or psychological impact of the stressor.
problem focus coping; emotional focus coping
Identify, define and provide an example for each of the factors affecting the development of prejudice.