Motivation Theories and Maslow's Hierarchy

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Questions and Answers

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need is considered the most basic?

Esteem

Physiological (correct)

Safety

Love/belonging

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of self-actualization according to Maslow?

Spontaneity

Conformity (correct)

Acceptance of facts

Morality

Which of the following is a characteristic of fitness in the context of natural selection?

An individual's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

An individual's ability to outcompete other individuals for resources.

An individual's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. (correct)

An individual's ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

What is the ultimate goal of life from an evolutionary perspective?

To reproduce and ensure the survival of the species (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of natural selection favors individuals with extreme traits at both ends of a spectrum?

Disruptive selection (D) Signup and view all the answers

What motivates individuals to reproduce, according to the evolutionary perspective?

Biological and psychological needs (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an inherited characteristic that could influence fitness in a population?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key observation that drives the theory of evolution?

Resources are plentiful and readily available (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Bateman's Principle, which sex typically has higher variance in mating success?

Males (B) Signup and view all the answers

The concept of natural selection suggests that:

Organisms with the most desirable traits survive and reproduce (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of Bateman's Principle?

Males are more likely to invest more resources in offspring care. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these two theoretical approaches to motivation focuses on inherited biological drives and needs?

Evolutionary perspective (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the relationship between Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and the Evolutionary approach to motivation?

They both emphasize the importance of survival needs, but with different focuses (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of natural selection would likely result in a population with a narrow range of phenotypes?

Stabilizing selection (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a heritable trait that could provide a survival advantage, according to the evolutionary perspective?

The ability to camouflage oneself (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios is an example of directional selection?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does natural selection differ from artificial selection?

All of the above. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes the concept of 'competition for resources' in the context of evolutionary theory?

Individuals from the same species compete for things like food, water, and mates (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement BEST describes the relationship between adaptation and fitness?

Adaptation is the process that leads to increased fitness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a population of insects where some individuals have wings and others do not. If a predator that hunts by sight is introduced to this environment, which type of selection is most likely to occur?

Directional selection towards winged insects. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason why females may prefer certain males?

Higher likelihood of securing a mate (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is natural selection likely to favor females who carefully select their mates?

It leads to a greater likelihood of offspring survival and reproductive success. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of females being more selective in their mate choice?

Males become more competitive, resulting in elaborate displays for female attention. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it evolutionarily significant for males to maximize their reproductive success?

To increase the likelihood of their genetic material passing on to future generations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately reflects the biological reality of males in terms of reproduction?

They often face a higher risk of death due to reproductive activities. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the table suggest about the behavioral outcomes of male reproductive strategies?

They focus on securing multiple mating opportunities and attracting a wide range of partners. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary evolutionary advantage for females in being selective with their mates?

Maximizing the chances of producing offspring with stronger genes and increased survival rates. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of "long-term commitment" influence the selection of mates?

Females are likely to prioritize a male's ability to provide substantial care and support for their offspring if they seek a long-term partnership. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of males with high reproductive potential?

Show a willingness to invest in raising offspring. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the connection between the evolutionary significance and the biological reality of the sexes in the mating dance?

The biological reality of each sex drives their evolutionary significance, leading to contrasting reproductive strategies. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these aspects are TRUE, regarding females and reproduction, as presented in the content?

Females are highly invested in the successful outcomes of their offspring. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between 'harem' as it applies to humans and as it applies to animals? (As depicted in the content.)

Human harems often include unmarried females, while animal harems only contain sexually active females. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is it about the structure and order of harems that reflects the evolutionary approach to motivation?

Competition for resources and social standing are driving forces in both human and animal harems. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a reason why females seek out partners who are high in status and resources?

To be able to compete with other females for resources and status. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the reproductive strategies of females and males, as presented in the content?

Females seek out partners who can provide resources and status, whereas males seek out partners who are physically attractive. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the content suggest is the primary driving force behind the formation of harems, in BOTH humans and animals?

The drive to maximize reproductive success by attracting and securing multiple partners. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is a key characteristic of the evolutionary approach to motivation?

It focuses on the origins of human behavior in genetic and biological factors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of evolutionary psychology, as described in the content?

Exploring the adaptive value of human traits and behaviors across different cultures. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, why is it important to study commonalities between people of different cultures?

To demonstrate the universality of human psychology across cultures. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options BEST describes an example of a key assumption underlying the evolutionary approach to motivation?

Human behaviors have evolved through natural selection to enhance survival and reproductive success. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Self-actualization: morality, creativity, problem-solving, accepting facts, lack of prejudice
Esteem: self-esteem, confidence, achievement, respect from others
Love/belonging: friendship, family, sexual intimacy
Safety: security of body, employment, resources, morality, family, health, property
Physiological: breathing, food, water, sex, sleep, homeostasis, excretion

Two Theoretical Approaches to Motivation

Evolutionary Perspective:
- Goal of life: reproduction and survival of the species
- Motivations: biological/psychological needs drive reproduction
- Goal achievement: maximizing offspring and survival
Humanistic Perspective: (not detailed in provided text)

Evolutionary Bases of Behavior

Four observations driving the theory of evolution:
- Organisms vary in endless ways (size, speed, strength, abilities, etc.)
- Some variations are heritable
- Resources are limited and can't keep up with reproduction
- A heritable trait enhances survival and offspring

Natural Selection

Heritable characteristics (e.g., giraffe's long neck) providing a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to be passed down

Fitness and Adaptation

Fitness: an organism's reproductive success in relation to the average of the population.
Adaptation: an inherited characteristic that increased in a population due to survival/reproduction advantage.

Types of Selection

Directional Selection: favors one extreme trait over the other
Stabilizing Selection: favors moderate traits over extreme traits
Disruptive Selection: favors both extreme traits

Bateman's Principle

Variation in mating success is higher for males than females.
One mating is enough for a female to reproduce, whereas multiple matings is advantageous to males.
Nearly all females reproduce, while most males do not.

Harem

A harem is a group of females under the dominance of one male (in animal societies).
This structure is reflected in human societies, where elite men potentially control multiple women.

Ideas Reflected in Harem Structure

Males maximize reproductive success through numerous sexual partners.
Females maximize reproductive success through partners with high status/resources.
Males expect security/resources from partners.

Summary of Evolutionary Approach to Motivation

Evolutionary psychology explores universal human traits.
Research analyzes commonalities across cultures to identify universal traits (e.g., mating behaviors) to understand whether a trait is an adaptation or a by-product.
Reproduction is central to evolutionary psychology, with adaptive traits enhancing reproduction.

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Description

Explore the concepts of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and two major theoretical approaches to motivation: Evolutionary and Humanistic perspectives. This quiz will test your understanding of key concepts related to human motivation and behavior. Get ready to assess your knowledge on these foundational theories in psychology.