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Optimal Arousal Theory

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The optimal arousal theory suggests that performance is maximized when an individual experiences a moderate level of arousal. This theory is closely tied to the Yerkes-Dodson law, which illustrates an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance. The law, formulated by psychologists Robert Yerkes and John Dodson, implies an ideal arousal level for optimal performance, and deviations from this level can lead to declines in effectiveness.
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A Cognitive Paradigm to Investigate Interference in Working Memory by Distractions and Interruptions

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Published on: July 16, 2015

Does Reading Words Differing in Arousal Load Influence Interference Control in Flanker Task?

Kamil K Imbir¹

¹Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, ul. Stawki 5/7, 00-183 Warsaw, Poland.

Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.)

|March 17, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Optimal cognitive control requires moderate arousal. Both low and high arousal levels impaired interference control during a spatial processing task, supporting the Yerkes-Dodson law in word processing.

Keywords:

Arousal effect Flanker competition Semantic priming Words reading

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Area of Science:

Cognitive Psychology
Neuroscience
Psycholinguistics

Background:

Arousal, a state of wakefulness and reactivity, influences cognitive functions.
Previous research suggests affective states modulate spatial processing.
The Yerkes-Dodson law posits an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the impact of arousal on cognitive control.
To determine if arousal levels follow the Yerkes-Dodson law in spatial processing of words.
To examine how different arousal levels affect interference control.

Main Methods:

135 words were selected and categorized into low, medium, and high arousal levels, controlling for valence, concreteness, frequency, and length.
Forty-nine participants completed a flanker task involving word reading.
Measures included accuracy, reaction times, and the interference effect index.

Main Results:

Cognitive control of interference was optimal at medium arousal levels.
Both low and high arousal levels impaired interference control.
Performance decrements were observed at the extremes of the arousal spectrum.

Conclusions:

Arousal significantly impacts cognitive control, particularly interference resolution in spatial processing.
The findings support the Yerkes-Dodson law, indicating an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and cognitive performance.
Optimal word processing and interference control occur at moderate arousal levels.