Psychology Motivation and Emotion Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is motivation?

A way to reduce stress

The desire to do something; an impulse that inspires some action (correct)

The desire to do nothing

An instinctive behavior

What is a motive?

A form of social pressure

A specific need or desire that prompts goal-directed behavior (correct)

An external reward

An unlearned behavior

What are the 6 theories of motivation?

Instinct Theory, Drive-Reduction Theory, Arousal Theory, Incentive Theory, Hierarchy of Needs, Achievement Motivation

What is Instinct Theory in motivation?

Motivation results from biological hard-wiring, or instincts. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of Instinct Theory?

More applicable to 'lower' animals, many human behaviors are learned, and there is diversity in human behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is Drive-Reduction Theory?

A physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of drives?

Primary and secondary drives. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary drive?

An unlearned drive based on a physiological state found in all animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is a secondary drive?

A learned drive associated with desires like wealth or success. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limitations of Drive Reduction Theory?

Once homeostasis is achieved we'd never do anything, and this theory does not account for risky, fear-inducing behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is Arousal Theory?

Motivation is to seek an optimal level of excitement or arousal. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Yerkes-Dodson Law state?

There is an optimal level of arousal for best performance on any task. Signup and view all the answers

What is Incentive Theory?

We are drawn to stimuli due to learning, like rewards or external stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hierarchy of Needs theory?

Needs are prioritized, with physiological needs coming before psychological needs. Signup and view all the answers

What are the levels of the Hierarchy of Needs?

Physiological needs, Safety needs, Belongingness and love needs, Esteem Needs, Self-actualization needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is Achievement Motivation?

A desire for significant accomplishment and dedication to long-term goals. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of achievement motivation?

Intrinsic motivation and Extrinsic motivation. Signup and view all the answers

What is intrinsic motivation?

Motivation for a behavior is the behavior itself. Signup and view all the answers

What is extrinsic motivation?

Behavior performed to obtain a reward or avoid punishment. Signup and view all the answers

What does the lateral hypothalamus do?

It brings on hunger. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) do?

It depresses hunger. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Set-point Theory?

The hypothalamus aims to maintain a certain optimum body weight. Signup and view all the answers

What can trigger hunger?

Environmental cues and emotional attachments with certain foods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Motivation and Emotion

Motivation: Desire to engage in a behavior; an impulse directing action.
Motive: A specific need or desire driving goal-oriented behavior.

Theories of Motivation

Instinct Theory: Behavior driven by innate instincts; historically linked to Darwin’s work. Survival instincts are foundational.
Limitations of Instinct Theory: More applicable to animals than humans; fails to account for learned behaviors and diversity in human actions.
Drive-Reduction Theory: Physiological needs create drives motivating actions; aims to achieve homeostasis—a stable internal condition.
Types of Drives:
- Primary Drives: Unlearned and necessary for survival (hunger, thirst, sex).
- Secondary Drives: Learned behaviors related to desires like wealth and success.
Limitations of Drive-Reduction Theory: Achieving homeostasis wouldn’t explain all behaviors; fails to account for thrill-seeking.
Arousal Theory: Motivation relates to seeking optimal arousal; varies by individual. We seek more stimulation when lacking and less when overstimulated.
Yerkes-Dodson Law: Optimal arousal improves performance; complex tasks require lower arousal levels.
Incentive Theory: Motivation arises from external stimuli and rewards that entice specific behaviors.

Hierarchy of Needs

Theory: Needs are prioritized from basic physiological requirements to higher psychological aspirations.
Levels:
- Physiological Needs (breathing, thirst)
- Safety Needs
- Belongingness and Love Needs
- Esteem Needs
- Self-Actualization Needs: Achieving full potential.

Achievement Motivation

Reflects the desire for significant accomplishments and long-term goals; linked to persistence and internal standards.
Types of Achievement Motivation:
- Intrinsic Motivation: Driven by internal satisfaction, such as hobbies.
- Extrinsic Motivation: Driven by external rewards or avoidance of punishment, like grades.

Brain and Hunger Regulation

Lateral Hypothalamus (LH): Stimulates hunger; damage leads to no interest in eating.
Ventromedial Hypothalamus (VMH): Suppresses hunger; damage causes excessive eating.

Set-Point Theory

The hypothalamus regulates optimal body weight like a thermostat; below set-point triggers hunger, while reaching it signals to stop eating. Individual set-points may vary.

Hunger Triggers

Environmental cues and emotional connections to specific foods can stimulate biological hunger responses.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts in motivation and emotion with these flashcards. Cover foundational theories and definitions that inspire human behavior. Perfect for psychology students or anyone interested in understanding what drives us.