AROUSAL AS A FACTOR IN REMINISCENCE.
Abstract
Changes in levels of motor performance such as decrement and reminiscence have for the most part been attributed to the development and dissipation of various types of inhibitory states. It was suggested here that changes of activation level resulting from the individual's experience with a specific situation could also account for these performance changes. An experiment was designed to determine the effects of an activating stimulus imposed during a rest period, upon subsequent reminiscence in rotary pursuit tracking. Stimulation was provided through inducing muscular tension by requiring Ss to squeeze a hand dynamometer for 15 seconds at 1/8, 1/2 or 3/4 of their maximal capability. A significant enhancement of reminiscence beyond that which would have resulted from rest alone was found, as a function of increasing intensity of stimulation. A relationship was also found between the enhancement of reminiscence due to stimulation and the prior existence of performance decrement. The results were interpreted to be consistent with the hypothesis that a reduction of activation level may indeed contribute to performance decrement. Theories of performance and experiments designed to investigate various performance phenomena should consider changes of activation level as a relevant variable. Explanatory principles based solely upon concepts of inhibition should be considered inadequate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0651854
Entities
People
- John F. Catalano