PSYC 1F90 Textbook: Lecture 3

Motivation

A process that arouses, maintains, and guides behavior towards a goal

Need

An internal deficiency that may energize behavior

Drive

A state of bodily tension, such as hunger or thirst, that arises from an unmet need

Response

Any action, glandular activity, or other identifiable behavior

Goal

The target or behavior of motivated behavior

Incentives

A reward or other stimulus that stimulates behavior—some goals are so desirable that they can motivate behavior in the absence of an internal need

Self-Determination Theory

A theory based on three foundational motives

Intrinsic Motivation

Desire to engage in a behavior based on internal rewards

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation that comes from outside of the person

Competence

A motive in self-determination theory; the need to feel effective in one's activities

Autonomy

A motive in self-determination theory; the need to feel in control of one's own actions

Relatedness

A motive in self-determination theory; the need to feel connected to others

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A classification system of needs categorized into basic needs and growth needs

Basic Needs

The first four levels of the needs in Maslow's Hierarchy; lower needs tend to be more potent than higher needs

Growth Needs

In Maslow’s Hierarchy, the higher-level needs associated with self-actualization

Physiological Needs

Food, water, shelter, sleep, sex

Safety and Security

No threats to one's life

Love and Belonging

Feeling purposeful and connected to others

Esteem and Self-Esteem

Feeling pride in oneself

Self-Actualization

Actualizing one’s potential

Biological Motives

Innate motives based on biological needs

Stimulus Motives

Innate needs for stimulation and information

Learned Motives

Motives based on learned needs, drives, and goals

Homeostasis

The steady state of body equilibrium—a set state that is "comfortable"

Sex Drive

The strength of one's motivation to engage in sexual behavior

Circadian Rhythm

A 24-hour biological cycle found in humans and many other species

Pain

A response to bodily damage or potential damage that motivates avoidance of discomfort

Extracellular Thirst

Caused by a reduction in the volume of fluids found between body cells

Intracellular Thirst

Triggered when fluid is drawn out of cells due to an increase in the concentration of salts and minerals outside the cells

Hypothalamus

A part of the brain that plays a role in hunger, thirst, and other biological drives

Lateral Hypothalamus

Feeding start button; activated in a variety of ways

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

Stop eating button; if destroyed, overeating occurs

Paraventricular Nucleus

Regulates blood sugar levels

Test Anxiety

High levels of arousal and worry that seriously impair test performance

Opponent Process Theory

Suggests that strong emotions tend to be followed by the opposite emotional state

James-Lange Theory

The theory that emotions occur after physiological responses

Cannon-Bard Theory

The theory that emotions, expression, and physiological responses occur simultaneously

Schachter and Singer’s Two-Factor Theory

A theory of emotion suggesting that general physiological arousal is experienced first, followed by cognitive processes to label its cause

Basic Emotion Theories

Theories suggesting emotions are brief states arising from cognitive appraisals and involve distinct expressions, physiology, and behavior

Positive Psychology

The study of human strengths, virtues, and effective functioning

Subjective Well-Being

General life satisfaction, combined with frequent positive emotions and relatively few negative emotions

Optimism

The tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to believe that good things will happen in the future

Explanatory Style

A way of interpreting events, which includes three elements