Psychology Chapter on Motivation

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Questions and Answers

What was measured as an indicator of physiological arousal in the studies?

Sweat gland activity (correct)

Self-reported emotions

Heart rate variability

Facial expressions

Which of the following factors is most important for making people happy?

Social relationships (correct)

Intelligence

Financial stability

Age

What does the excitation transfer theory suggest?

Physiological arousal can enhance emotions in new contexts. (correct)

Arousal affects only physical reactions.

Cognitive appraisal has no impact on emotional states.

Emotions are completely independent of physiological states.

Which of these is NOT listed as a factor important for happiness?

Career advancement Signup and view all the answers

How do positive emotions most commonly affect individuals according to the content?

They facilitate sociability and conflict resolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal combination of motives for challenging or important tasks?

High motive and low fear Signup and view all the answers

Which conflict involves choosing between two attractive alternatives?

Approach-Approach Conflict Signup and view all the answers

In the context of emotional experiences, which statement is true regarding the left hemisphere of the brain?

It is more involved in positive emotional experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motive orientation focuses on personal improvement and skill perfection?

Learning Orientation Signup and view all the answers

According to James's peripheral theory, what determines the subjective emotion we experience?

Physiological reactions of the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes emotions?

Emotions can vary in intensity and serve important adaptive functions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a Multiple Approach-Avoidance Conflict?

Several alternatives that each have both positive and negative features Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the role of emotions according to cognitive theories?

Cognitive interpretation and physiological response together shape emotional experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that behavior is motivated by a desire to satisfy biological needs?

Drive Reduction Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of ghrelin in hunger regulation?

Increases appetite Signup and view all the answers

According to the Arousal Theory, what do individuals strive to maintain?

An optimal level of arousal Signup and view all the answers

Which type of motivation is primarily influenced by social factors?

Social motivation Signup and view all the answers

What does the Expectancy-Value Theory primarily focus on?

Anticipation of goals and their incentive value Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following influences does NOT contribute to hunger regulation?

Cultural norms Signup and view all the answers

Which motivation theory emphasizes external rewards and punishment as driving factors?

Incentive Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological reason for seeking social affiliation?

For emotional support Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motivation Overview

Motivation influences initiation, direction, intensity, and persistence of behavior.
Sources include physiological (biological needs), emotional (feelings), cognitive (beliefs and doubts), and social (influence from others).

Theories of Motivation

Instinct Doctrine: Innate behaviors arise from biological instincts, illustrating automatic behavioral tendencies.
Drive Reduction Theory: Behavior is motivated by biological needs that create psychological drives, prompting actions to reduce those drives.
Arousal Theory: Individuals seek to maintain an optimal arousal level, which differs among people.
Incentive Theory: Behavior is driven by external rewards and punishments, emphasizing the role of incentives.
Expectancy-Value Theory: Motivation depends on the expectation of achieving a goal and the value assigned to that goal.

Hunger and Weight Regulation

Biological Influences: Include signals from the stomach, blood glucose levels, hormones, and involves hypothalamic neural circuits.
Psychological Influences: Reinforcement through taste and hunger reduction, alongside personal attitudes and beliefs.
Environmental Influences: Factors include food availability, taste diversity, visual and olfactory stimuli, social context, and cultural norms.

Affiliation Reasons: Rooted in evolutionary need for reproduction and survival. Psychological needs include life satisfaction, stimulation, support, and attention.
Variability in Social Orientation: Individuals fluctuate between seeking social interaction and solitude to maintain an optimal social contact range.

Achievement Motivation

Characterized by the desire for task accomplishment and excellence.
Influenced by motives for success and fears of failure; an optimal balance (high motive, low fear) enhances performance.
Learning Orientation: Focus on personal improvement and skill mastery; enjoys challenges.
Performance Orientation: Aim is to outperform others; seeks external feedback.

Maslow's Need Hierarchy and Motivational Conflicts

Motivational conflicts include:
- Approach-Approach: Choosing between two desirable options.
- Avoidance-Avoidance: Choosing between two undesirable options.
- Approach-Avoidance: Involves a choice with both positive and negative aspects.
- Multiple Approach-Avoidance: Involves several options with a mix of pros and cons.

Emotions

Characteristics: Temporary, can be positive or negative, vary in intensity, and have adaptive functions.
Involves thought processes that prompt evaluation and interpretation of emotional experiences.
Physiological responses are linked to the brain's activities, specifically:
- Amygdala central to emotional processing.
- Right hemisphere dominates overall emotion regulation, particularly negative emotions.

Theories of Emotion

James's Peripheral Theory: Physiological reactions form the basis of emotional experience.
Cannon's Central Theory: The brain originates emotional experiences.
Cognitive Theories: Emotion is a fusion of physiological reactions and cognitive interpretation.
Excitation Transfer Theory: Physiological arousal from one experience can intensify emotions in later situations.

Communicating Emotions

Facial expressions are often innate but can be influenced by social and cultural factors.

Positive Emotions

Linked to enhanced creativity, sociability, altruism, and conflict resolution.
Associated with improved physical health and prolonged lifespan.

Factors Influencing Happiness

Less Important: Wealth, intelligence, age.
More Important: Social relationships, marriage, gratitude, optimism, self-esteem, personality traits (extraversion, conscientiousness), religiousness, spirituality, and genetic predisposition.

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Description

Explore the key concepts of motivation, including the various theories that explain how it influences behavior. Topics covered range from biological and emotional factors to the roles of social influences and psychological drives. Understanding these theories will enhance your grasp of human behavior.