The theory describing the relationship between arousal and performance (an inverted-U shape) is known as which theory?

• A. Inverted U theory
• B. Drive theory
• C. Catastrophe theory
• D. Individual zones of optimal function

Answer: (A)

Describes how arousal affects performance in a non-linear way: as arousal rises from low levels, performance improves up to an optimal point, but if arousal increases beyond that point, performance declines. This creates the characteristic inverted-U shape of the curve, often referred to as the Yerkes-Dodson relationship. The other theories describe different patterns: a straight-line increase with arousal, a sudden drop only after a threshold combined with cognitive anxiety, or individual, person-specific optimal arousal zones. The inverted-U idea best matches the general pattern of performance peaking at a moderate arousal level, then falling as arousal becomes too high.