Which of the following individuals is likely to be at the highest level of sympathetic arousal?
A) Melissa, who is daydreaming and staring out the window
B) Keith, who is concentrating on a lecturer and taking careful notes
C) Professor Trong, who is lecturing
D) Bill, who is anticipating an exam he will take within the hour and for which he is unprepared

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bill is likely to be at the highest level of sympathetic arousal because he is experiencing stress due to the anticipation of an exam for which he is unprepared. This stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. Melissa is likely to be at a low level of sympathetic arousal because she is daydreaming, which is a relaxed mental state. Keith is likely to be moderately aroused because he is concentrating but not experiencing stress. Professor Trong may experience some sympathetic arousal due to the demands of giving a lecture, but this would depend on their level of stress and excitement about the material.

Which of the Following Individuals Is Likely to Be at the Highest