Yerkes-Dodson Law

Definition

The Yerkes-Dodson law is a psychological principle that states performance on tasks improves up to a point with increased physiological or mental arousal (stress), but beyond that point, further increases in arousal can lead to decreased performance.

Related terms

Arousal Theory:

This theory suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal.

Stress:

A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Performance Anxiety: The anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience.