What does the Inverted U Model claim about peak performance?

• A. It states performance is optimal under extremely high pressure.
• B. It states peak performance occurs at moderate levels of pressure.
• C. It suggests pressure has no effect on performance.
• D. It indicates performance declines only under no pressure.

Answer: (B)

Think of arousal or pressure as a dial for alertness. As you move from very low arousal toward a moderate level, performance tends to improve because you’re more focused and energized. But if you raise arousal too high, anxiety and nervousness disrupt concentration and fine-tuned skills, so performance drops. The peak—where performance is best—occurs at that moderate level of pressure.

So the statement that peak performance happens at moderate levels of pressure matches this idea exactly. The other notions don’t fit: extreme pressure isn’t the best point, arousal does affect performance, it isn’t true that pressure has no effect, and it isn’t accurate to say performance only declines when there’s no pressure.