Arousal as a Factor in Reminiscence

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Abstract
Explanations of performance changes such as decrement and reminiscence are usually attributed to the development and dissipation of inhibition. It was suggested here that changes of activation level may also account for these performance phenomena. An experiment was designed to determine the effects of an interpolated activating stimulus (induced muscular tension) upon reminiscence in rotary pursuit tracking. A significant enhancement of reminiscence beyond that resulting from rest alone was found to occur following stimulation. Magnitude of enhancement was a function of intensity of stimulation. A bilateral effect also occurred. A relationship was observed between enhancement and the presence of prior performance decrement. The results were interpreted as supporting the activation hypothesis.