---
title: "Yerkes-Dodson Law — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The Yerkes-Dodson Law says performance rises with arousal up to a peak, then drops. Connects motivation, stress and coping, and memory on the AP Psych exam."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/yerkes-dodson-law"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Yerkes-Dodson Law — AP Psychology Definition & Exam Guide

## 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 Study Guides

- [7.4 Stress and Coping](/ap-psych-revised/unit-7/stress-coping/study-guide/O96bfZowqQ0A0MlqHHG5)
- [7.1 Theories of Motivation](/ap-psych-revised/unit-7/theories-motivation/study-guide/ZS8U9JSVwxrEzttSrk8m)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Arousal Theory](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/arousal-theory): This theory suggests that people are driven to perform actions in order to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal.
- [Stress](/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/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.