1. Arousal First Hour – How do motivation and arousal interact? What is the effect of arousal on performance? Short and long term effects of excessive arousal How does arousal level interact with ability? Motivation and level of arousal Zajonc’s theory of social facilitation (ch10): Yerkes-Dodson Law The effects of arousal on performance Drive reduction, optimal level of arousal and thrill seeking behaviour Stress and the general adaptation syndrome

2. Arousal: A state of alertness, wakefulness and activation caused by nervous system activity arousal

3. Hull’s Drives Reduction Theory We seek to reduce drives to a level of zero

4. Clark Hull’s list of regulatory drives: Thirst Hunger Optimum temperature Urination Defecation Burping Rest (after protracted exertion) Sleep (after protracted wakefulness) Activity (after protracted inaction)

5. Need Drive Instrumental behavior Consummatory behavior Drive reduction Homeostatic restoration Quiescence

6. Optimal level of arousal theory We seek a moderate level of arousal.

7. Optimal Level of Arousal Theory: A moderate level of arousal is pleasant. Lower or higher levels of arousal are unpleasant. People seek pleasure and avoid displeasure. People differ in the natural level of arousal. Arousal is influenced by situational factors. People will choose environments that produce optimal levels of arousal for themselves.

8. Zuckerman’s theory of sensation seeking behaviour Some people seek a very high level of arousal

9. Thrill and adventure seeking Experience seeking Disinhibition Susceptibility to boredom Four main tendencies of Sensation Seekers (Zuckerman)

10. Yerkes-Dodson Law 1 Degree of arousal Quality of performance Very lowVery high (Interaction between degree of arousal and quality of performance) Peak performance PSY100 test Student 1 Student 2 Student 3

11. Yerkes-Dodson Law 2 Degree of arousal Quality of performance Very lowVery high (Interaction between degree of arousal and task difficulty) Easy task (Factory assembly line task) Difficult task (PSY100 test)

12. Stress resistance Stage 1 “Alarm” (mobilize resources) Stage 3 “Exhaustion” (reserves depleted) Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) “Resistance” (cope with stressor) Stage 2

13. Mean Stress Ratings: Death of spouse 100 Divorce 73 Marital separation 65 Jail term 63 Death of close family member 63 Personal injury or illness 53 Marriage 50 Fired at work 47 Marital reconciliation 45 Pregnancy 40 Sex difficulties 39