Low levels of anxiety are most characteristic of which of the following states according to the Yerkes-Dodson law?

• A. Underarousal
• B. Optimal performance
• C. Overarousal
• D. Panic disorder

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes the relationship between arousal (including anxiety) and performance, typically illustrated as an inverted U-shaped curve.
2. Identify that low levels of anxiety correspond to low arousal states, which are generally associated with underarousal on the curve.
3. Recognize that underarousal means the individual is not sufficiently stimulated, leading to lower motivation and suboptimal performance.
4. Contrast underarousal with optimal performance, which occurs at moderate levels of anxiety/arousal, and overarousal, which involves excessive anxiety leading to performance decline.
5. Conclude that according to the Yerkes-Dodson law, low levels of anxiety are most characteristic of the underarousal state.