Some Physiological Concomitants of Pursuit Rotor Performance and Reminiscence

A frustration theory of pursuit rotor performance and reminiscence has previously been presented (Costello, 1967; Costello & Discipio, 1967). The theory was reformulated in terms of arousal theory and the following hypotheses were tested: (1) an inverted “U” relationship exists between level of arousal and performance level; (2) reminiscence results when S during the rest period moves closer to his optimum level of arousal; (3) massed practice produces a higher level of arousal than spaced practice; (4) experimental conditions producing a high drive state will also increase his arousal level. Findings in line with these hypotheses were found for EMG measures but not for GSR and pulse rate. In view of what appears to be the task-specific nature of the physiological results it was concluded that there was no particular advantage in reformulating the frustration theory in terms of arousal theory.