Yanni loves the feeling he gets when he attempts a difficult climb, but he can't focus when he has to read an article assigned to him. What theory could explain Yanni's preference for rock climbing?

Question

A. Instinct Theory

B. Optimal Arousal Theory

C. Drive Reduction Theory

D. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Answer 1

Out of the four choices, the theory that would best explain Yanni's preference for rock climbing would be B. Optimal Arousal Theory. According to Optimal Arousal Theory, an individual is motivated to maintain their preferred level of stimulation by maintaining contact with stimuli. In other words, individuals seek mental stimulation that maximizes mental and/or physical feelings of well being. Bluntly put, if something makes you feel good, you are going to be motivated to do it again.

In Yanni's case, Yanni "loves" the feeling he has when attempting a difficult rock climb, which means he is at an optimal level of arousal when rock climbing. Therefore, Yanni is going to be motivated to engage in rock climbing. Yanni has a difficult time focusing on reading an article assignment, and it is most likely because the assignment results in a low level of arousal for him (i.e. it doesn't make him feel good). Yanni's inability to focus on the article assignment may be due to this low level of arousal and decreased motivation. Since Yanni doesn't have the same motivation to read an article as he does to perform a rock climb, it results in a poor performance during the assignment (i.e. his inability to focus).