In addition to self-report measures, researchers operationally define anxiety as

A) an acute sense of impending doom.
B) a state of arousal that is 75% of the level seen in the fear response.
C) a state of arousal that is 125% of the level seen in the fear response.
D) an increase in the startle reflex.

Startle Reflex

The startle reflex is an involuntary, sudden movement in response to a surprising or startling stimulus, often seen as part of the fight or flight response.

Self-report Measures

Assessment tools used to gather data from individuals about themselves, often pertaining to beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors.

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, often about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.