The Yerkes–Dodson graph demonstrates that graphs can be used to describe theoretical relations that can be tested. In a study that could be applied to the career decisions made during college, Gilovich and Medvec

(1995) identified two types of regrets—regrets of action and regrets of inaction—and proposed that their intensity changes over time. You can think of these as Type I regrets—things you have done that you wish you had not done (regrets of action)—and Type II regrets—

things you have not done that you wish you had done

(regrets of inaction). The researchers suggested a theoretical relation between the variables that might look something like the graph below