Theories of Motivation

• Both "motivation" and "emotion" originate from the Latin word "motare," meaning "to move."
• Psychologists define motivation as a condition that directs behavior.

Theories of Motivation

• Instinct Theory posits that motivations are inborn.
  • Example: A baby's grasp reflex.
• Drive Reduction theory suggests behavior is driven by biological needs to maintain balance.
• Arousal Theory states that people seek optimum arousal levels.
• Incentive Theory: That motivation stems from internal or external incentives.
  • Incentives can be primary (innate) or secondary (learned).
• Hierarchy of Needs, according to Maslow, dictates that basic needs must be met before higher-level ones.

Biological Motivations

• Thirst: is essential for bodily functions.
  • It is driven by two mechanisms: loss of volume and maintaining water balance inside cells.
• Hunger involves signals from the stomach via stretch receptors
  • It also involves chemical signals (glucose, lipids, leptin).
  • The hypothalamus is critical for hunger and satiety.
    • Lateral hypothalamus (LH) triggers hunger.
  • Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) induces satiety.

Psychological Motivations

• Unconscious vs. Conscious Motivations: Some motivations we're aware of, and others not.
  • These are tapped via the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and the Implicit Association Task (IAT).
• Approach vs. Avoidance Motivation: Approach involves a desire for positive experiences, and avoidance involves a desire to avoid negative experiences.
  • Loss aversion: People are more motivated to avoid losses than to gain equally sized rewards.
• Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Intrinsic motivation is driven by inherent satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards.
• Fixed vs. Growth Mindset: A fixed mindset involves the belief that talent is innate, while a growth mindset involves the belief that skills can be developed through effort.

What are Emotions?

• Emotions consist of Physiological, Cognitive, Physical and emotional components

Theories of Emotion

• James-Lange Theory: Emotion arises from physiological responses.
• Cannon-Bard Theory: Arousal and emotion occur simultaneously.
• Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory: Emotion is a function of both physiological arousal and cognitive labeling.
• Cognitive-Mediational Theory: Cognitive interpretations/appraisals are key to emotional experience.
• Facial-Feedback Theory: Sensory feedback from facial expressions influences our emotional experience.