What does the Inverted U Hypothesis state about arousal and performance?

• A. Arousal up to a point, then declines
• B. Performance always increases with arousal
• C. Arousal has no effect
• D. Arousal decreases performance from the start

Answer: (A)

Arousal and performance follow an inverted-U pattern: performance improves as arousal increases up to an optimum point, then declines as arousal continues to rise. This happens because moderate arousal heightens focus, motivation, and readiness, helping you perform more efficiently. Beyond the peak, excessive arousal can cause anxiety, muscle tension, and narrowed attention, which disrupt precision and coordination. The exact peak depends on the task: simpler, well-practiced actions can tolerate higher arousal, while complex or unfamiliar skills perform best at moderate levels.