Which statement about introverts' arousal needs is supported by the material?

• A. Extroverts require low arousal
• B. Arousal does not affect performance for introverts
• C. Introverts require low arousal to stimulate their RAS
• D. Introverts require high arousal to focus

Answer: (C)

Arousal levels interact with personality to affect performance. Introverts tend to have higher baseline arousal and are more easily overstimulated, so they perform best at lower external levels of arousal. The reticular activating system (RAS) that governs arousal is more readily stimulated by low levels of stimulation for introverts, helping them reach and maintain an optimal activation. That’s why the statement that introverts require low arousal to stimulate their RAS best fits the material. When arousal is too high, performance for introverts tends to decline due to over-arousal. The other ideas—arousal not affecting introverts, or introverts needing high arousal—don’t align with this pattern.