MCAT Behavioral Sciences Question 62: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 62

2. When practicing her recital song at home, a teenage girl sounds perfectly in pitch to her family and friends. However, when performing at the recital in front of a large audience of peers, strangers, and coaches, her pitch and tone are off, resulting in a poor performance. This second performance is best explained by:

  • A. drive reduction theory.
  • B. instinct approach theory.
  • C. Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
  • D. the Yerkes–Dodson law.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The Yerkes–Dodson law states that there is an optimal level of arousal necessary to perform. If levels of arousal are too high, poor performance can result. In the case of the girl performing at her recital, her arousal level is very high as a result of nerves and anxiety, resulting in a poor performance.

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