Which theory of motivation proposes that people seek to maintain an optimal level of arousal?

• A. Drive theory
• B. Arousal theory
• C. Expectancy theory
• D. Incentive theory

Answer: (B)

Arousal theory focuses on maintaining an optimal level of activation. When arousal is too low, people seek stimulation and novelty to raise it; when arousal is too high, they look for ways to calm down or reduce stimulation. This explains why some activities feel rewarding because they bring just the right amount of excitement, while overly intense situations push people to retreat. The idea is often linked to the Yerkes-Dodson law, which describes an inverted-U relationship between arousal and performance: moderate arousal tends to produce the best performance, while too little or too much arousal can hinder it. In contrast, drive theory centers on reducing internal tension from unmet needs, expectancy theory on beliefs about effort and outcomes, and incentive theory on external rewards. So, maintaining an optimal arousal level is the best explanation for the motivation described.