P(s)=−(s−a)2+bThe Yerkes-Dodson law predicts that the relationship between stress level, s, and performance, P(s), of a difficult task can be modeled by a function of the form shown, where a and b are constants related to the measures of stress and performance for a particular task. What is the best interpretation of a in this context?Choose 1 answer:(A) a is the level of stress at which performance is minimal.(B) a is the level of peak performance.(C) a is the level of stress at which performance is maximal.(D) a is the level of stress at which performance is s0 of maximal performance.
Q. P(s)=−(s−a)2+bThe Yerkes-Dodson law predicts that the relationship between stress level, s, and performance, P(s), of a difficult task can be modeled by a function of the form shown, where a and b are constants related to the measures of stress and performance for a particular task. What is the best interpretation of a in this context?Choose 1 answer:(A) a is the level of stress at which performance is minimal.(B) a is the level of peak performance.(C) a is the level of stress at which performance is maximal.(D) a is the level of stress at which performance is s0 of maximal performance.
Understand Vertex Form: The Yerkes-Dodson law is represented by the function P(s)=−(s−a)2+b. To understand the role of the constant a in this function, we need to analyze the structure of the equation. This is a quadratic equation in vertex form, where the vertex of the parabola is given by the point (a,b). In the context of the Yerkes-Dodson law, the vertex represents the optimal point of performance.
Interpret Negative Sign: Since the quadratic equation is in the form P(s)=−(s−a)2+b, the negative sign in front of the squared term indicates that the parabola opens downwards. This means that the vertex (a,b) is the highest point on the graph. Therefore, at s=a, the performance P(s) is at its maximum value, which is b.
Identify Optimal Stress Level: Given that the vertex represents the highest point on the graph and corresponds to the maximum performance level, we can interpret the constant a as the level of stress at which performance is maximal. This is because at s=a, the function P(s) reaches its maximum value.
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