Activation-Increasing Properties of Task Performance

Abstract

The present study examined the notion that task performance serves as a source of physiological activation in the work setting. Specifically, it is proposed that individuals performing highly in terms of both quantity and quality of performance will demonstrate higher levels of physiological activation than lower performing participants. 120 undergraduate students in psychology performed a clerical editing task after which pulse rate was taken as a measure of physiological activation. The results support the effects of task performance on activation.