Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between arousal and performance according to the Yerkes-Dodson law?

• A. Performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, after which further increases in arousal lead to a decline in performance.
• B. Performance is highest when arousal is at its lowest level.
• C. There is no relationship between arousal and performance.
• D. Performance continuously improves as arousal increases, with no decline at higher levels of arousal.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes the relationship between arousal and performance as an inverted U-shaped curve.
2. Recognize that 'arousal' refers to a physiological and psychological state of being alert and engaged.
3. Note that according to the law, performance improves as arousal increases, but only up to an optimal level.
4. After this optimal point, further increases in arousal cause performance to decline due to stress or overstimulation.
5. Therefore, the best description is that performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, then decreases as arousal continues to rise.