AP Psychology Unit 8 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are motivations?

A need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

Describe the push and pull idea.

Push motivation is a behavior that someone might force themselves to complete for satisfaction, while pull motivation is a behavior that someone feels naturally drawn to.

What are instincts?

Unlearned behavior or inborn motivation or impulse in response to a specific stimulus.

Explain what drive-reduction theory is.

The Drive-reduction theory suggests that motivated behavior arises from a drive likely due to a disruption in homeostasis, leading to a goal of reducing that drive. Signup and view all the answers

What is homeostasis?

The tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state. Signup and view all the answers

What are incentives?

Motivators that encourage an individual to complete an action or behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal arousal theory?

The Optimal Arousal Theory posits that some motivated behaviors increase or decrease arousal. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Yerkes-Dodson law.

The Yerkes-Dodson Law states that for easy tasks, higher levels of arousal increase performance, while for difficult tasks, too much arousal can hinder performance. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Hierarchy of Needs as hypothesized by Maslow.

The Hierarchy of Needs is a pyramid of human needs starting with physiological needs, followed by safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, self-actualization needs, and self-transcendence needs. Signup and view all the answers

What are the physiological factors that go into producing hunger?

Factors include glucose in the blood, arcuate nucleus, hypothalamus, ghrelin, orexin, leptin, and PYY. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the ventromedial hypothalamus?

The ventromedial hypothalamus is involved in terminating hunger, fear, thermoregulation, and sexual activity. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the lateral hypothalamus in relation to hunger?

The lateral hypothalamus responds to stimulation that causes feelings of hunger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basal metabolic rate?

The basal metabolic rate is the body's resting rate of energy expenditure. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between set point and basal metabolic rate.

Set point is the 'weight thermostat' that regulates hunger and metabolism, while basal metabolic rate is the energy expenditure at rest. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motivations

Defined as a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

Push and Pull Motivation

Push motivation involves forced behavior to fulfill a wish or achieve satisfaction.
Pull motivation arises from natural attraction towards certain behaviors without external pressure.

Instincts

Instincts are unlearned, inborn impulses that are triggered by specific stimuli.
These behaviors are complex and often follow a particular pattern.

Drive-Reduction Theory

This theory posits that motivated behavior arises from a drive state, aiming to restore homeostasis.
The goal of such behavior is to reduce or reinforce the drive, addressing disruptions in balance.

Homeostasis

Refers to the body's tendency to maintain a stable internal environment, such as a balanced body temperature around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Incentives

Factors that motivate individuals to engage in specific actions or behaviors, often linked to goals.

Optimal Arousal Theory

Suggests that certain motivated behaviors can either increase or decrease arousal levels, influencing curiosity and engagement.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

States that for simple tasks, higher arousal leads to better performance; however, for complex tasks, too much arousal can hinder performance.

Hierarchy of Needs (Maslow)

A pyramid structure of human needs, progressing from basic to higher-level needs:
- Physiological Needs: Basic survival needs like hunger and thirst.
- Safety Needs: The necessity for security and protection.
- Belongingness and Love Needs: The need for love, acceptance, and social connections.
- Esteem Needs: The desire for self-esteem, recognition, and respect.
- Self-Actualization Needs: The pursuit of reaching one's full potential.
- Self-Transcendence Needs: The quest for meaning and purpose beyond oneself.

Physiological Factors in Hunger

Leptin and PYY: Hormones signaling fullness.
Glucose: Blood sugar that serves as the body's primary energy source; low levels trigger hunger.
Ghrelin and Orexin: Hormones that signal hunger.
Hypothalamus: Regulates hunger and thirst.
Arcuate Nucleus: A part of the hypothalamus involved in hunger regulation.

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

Involved in terminating feelings of hunger and recognizing fullness.

Lateral Hypothalamus

Detects internal and external cues that trigger hunger; works with the ventromedial hypothalamus to signal satiety after eating.

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

Refers to the energy expenditure rate while at rest, influencing how many calories are burned.
Example: A 20-year-old woman, 5'6”, weighing 150 pounds has a BMR of approximately 1520 kcal/day.

Set Point vs. Basal Metabolic Rate

Set Point: The "weight thermostat" that regulates hunger and metabolism when weight fluctuates.
Basal Metabolic Rate: The energy burned while at rest, independent of weight regulation.

Human Sexual Response Cycle Phases

Not specified, but generally includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution stages.

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Test your knowledge on motivations with these AP Psychology Unit 8 flashcards. The cards cover essential concepts such as the push and pull motivations that energize and direct behavior. Perfect for exam preparation or review sessions!