Evaluating Optimal Arousal Level during the Task Based on Performance and Positive Mood: Extracting Indices Reflecting the Relationship among Arousal, Performance, and Mood

The purpose of this study is to reveal indices which reflect the relationship among optimal arousal level, performance and positive mood during a working task. The arousal level based on both of performance and positive mood is evaluated. As a working task, working memory tasks of two difficulties are performed. Performance and psychophysiological states before, during and after the task are measured using task scores, biological signals, and subjective scores. The data of each index is analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. It is shown that indices such as skin conductance, RR interval of electrocardiogram, and alpha power in the occipital area reflect arousal level which has relationships with performance or positive mood. On the other hand, more appropriate arousal level for positive mood is different between tension and physiological alertness. Thus, it is revealed that optimal arousal level influenced by tension and physiological alertness cannot be evaluated by one index. However, the prediction accuracy of each linear regression model is low. Therefore, it is led that further investigation using task difficulties in a wide range is needed.