Compare and Contrast the Role of Anxiety in Drive Theory

Question

Examlex · Accepted Answer

The Answer is Drive Theory and Inverted U Hypothesis are both psychological theories that attempt to explain the relationship between arousal and performance. In both theories, anxiety plays a significant role, but the way it is conceptualized and its impact on performance differs.

In Drive Theory, anxiety is seen as a negative force that can hinder performance. According to this theory, as arousal levels increase, so does performance, up to a certain point. However, once arousal levels exceed this optimal point, performance begins to decline. This is where anxiety comes into play - when arousal levels become too high, it can lead to anxiety, which in turn impairs performance. For example, a professional athlete who experiences high levels of anxiety before a competition may find that their performance suffers as a result.

On the other hand, the Inverted U Hypothesis suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal for performance, and that both low and high levels of arousal can lead to anxiety and impair performance. In this theory, anxiety is not necessarily seen as a negative force, but rather as a natural response to both low and high arousal levels. For example, a student who experiences low levels of arousal and anxiety when taking a test may find it difficult to focus and perform well, while a student who experiences high levels of arousal and anxiety may also struggle to concentrate and perform effectively.

In summary, while both Drive Theory and Inverted U Hypothesis acknowledge the role of anxiety in performance, they differ in their conceptualization of how anxiety is related to arousal and its impact on performance. Drive Theory sees anxiety as a result of excessive arousal, leading to impaired performance, while Inverted U Hypothesis suggests that anxiety can result from both low and high arousal levels, and can impair performance in either case.

Compare and Contrast the Role of Anxiety in Drive Theory

Definitions: