AROUSAL AND THE INVERTED-U HYPOTHESIS - A CRITIQUE OF NEISS RECONCEPTUALIZING AROUSAL

After reviewing the literature linking threat, incentive, and relaxation to motor performance, Neiss (1988) concluded that both the construct of arousal and the hypothesis of an inverted-U relationship between performance and arousal should be abandoned. These arguments were, however, based on research that does not permit clear evaluation of either the construct of arousal or the inverted-U hypothesis. Furthermore, some of Neiss's assumptions are questionable. This article reviews evidence that provides strong support for the inverted-U hypothesis. It is concluded that the concept of arousal is pragmatically useful in organizing a broad range of behavioral data.