Activation Theory

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Also known as 'Arousal Theory', activation theory describes how mental arousal is necessary for effective functioning in that we need a certain level of activation in order to be sufficiently motivated to achieve goals, do good work and so on.

The Yerkes-Dodson Law points out how people need a certain amount of activation to be motivated but not have too much stimulation. We have an upper limit to activation, beyond which we become overly stressed and fall into satisficing.

People will seek activation through different types of stimulation, including novelty, complexity, variation and uncertainty. At a low level of activation, performance is decreased due to three factors:

A lack of alertness

Dulling of the senses

Limited muscular coordination

These in turn can lead to increased error or accident, and slower completion of tasks. Underactivation also leads to boredom and seeking of alternative stimulation (including by sabotage), unless the person has a low activation preference, where they are happy to daydream or otherwise be lazy.

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