Theories of Emotion and Motivation Concepts

Arousal and Performance

The relationship between arousal levels and performance outcomes on tasks.

Difficult tasks

Tasks that require higher levels of cognitive effort and may be negatively affected by high arousal.

Easy tasks

Tasks that require less cognitive effort and may benefit from higher arousal.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

The theory that emotions arise from physiological arousal; for example, the sight of an oncoming car (perception of stimulus) leads to a pounding heart (arousal), which results in fear (emotion).

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

The theory that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously; for example, the sight of an oncoming car (perception of stimulus) leads to a pounding heart (arousal) and fear (emotion) at the same time.

Schacter's Cognitive Theory of Emotion

The theory that emotions are based on physiological arousal and cognitive labeling; for example, the sight of an oncoming car (perception of stimulus) leads to a pounding heart (arousal), which is cognitively labeled as 'I'm afraid,' resulting in fear (emotion).

Cognition and Emotion

The interplay between cognitive processes and emotional responses, including instant fear responses and slower interpretations.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A motivational theory comprising five levels of needs: physiological needs (food, water, warmth, rest), safety needs (security, safety), belongingness and love needs (intimate relationships, friends), esteem needs (prestige and feeling of accomplishment), and self-actualization (achieving one's full potential, including creative activities).

Self-Determination Theory

A theory of motivation that emphasizes the importance of autonomy (the feeling of having choice and willingly endorsing one's behavior), competence (the experience of mastery and being effective in one's activity), and relatedness (the need to feel connected and belongingness with others).

Autonomy

The feeling one has choice and willingly endorsing one's behavior.

Competence

The experience of mastery and being effective in one's activity.

Relatedness

The need to feel connected and belongingness with others.