Arousal theory is a theory of motivation which can be defined as optimum arousal. Optimum arousal can vary from one person to another. One person may have low arousal needs, whereas the other individual may need a high need of arousal. In the article “What are the key elements of the arousal and incentive approaches to motivation?” it states “Students who experience test anxiety (a high level of arousal) may seek out ways to reduce that anxiety in order to improve test performance. Students who are not anxious at all may not be motivated to study well, lowering their performance.” Ultimately, there are two forms of arousal, a high and low form. Depending on which way a person’s mind operates will depend on their performance. In this specific instance, when getting ready to take SAT’s, there are different ways to prepare for the exam. Some may study hard while others don’t feel the need to study. When the day of the exam arrives something happens, and suddenly everything changes. If you’re too pumped about taking the test, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in and it will be hard to concentrate. If you’re not aroused at all, you won’t put your all in and won’t perform well vs. when you’re not too pumped and is not thinking about it, you’ll be fine and your arousal level is good enough. In this scenario, depending on how much arousal you have or lack can depend on your …show more content…
Articles such as “Approaches to Understanding Motivation” adapted from Ciccarelli, Saundra K and J Noland White and “What are the key elements of arousal and incentive approaches to motivation?” discusses how motivation can cause someone to want something, and the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as the arousal theory and incentive approaches. Studies have shown that motivation engages with social, emotional, and biological forces that triggers different behaviors. Research on motivation is important because it provides that drive for people to accomplish their goals, uphold their responsibilities and solve problems. Motivation can create a goal, and in order to achieve that goal, the person must have a motive. It is also important because it allows people to understand why they work so hard to prove themselves and it shows that there is a purpose behind