Motivation and Memory Week 10 flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing memory concepts, biological and psychological theories of motivation, self-determination theory, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Repression

The act of hiding traumatic memories in the unconscious without awareness of doing so, such that they cannot be remembered if asked.

Persistence

Continuing to recall unwanted memories or thoughts that one desires to forget.

Ironic rebound effect of thought suppression

A phenomenon wherein identifying something you are actively trying to forget forces you to remember it.

Motivation

The inner drive that guides behavior toward achieving a specific goal, characterized by arousal, direction, physiological responses, and sometimes behavioral expression.

Instinct theory

A biological theory of motivation stating that certain behaviors are driven by innate evolutionary impulses that help species survive.

Homeostasis

The body's baseline state of healthy functioning and balance.

Drive reduction theory

A biological theory stating that when an individual moves outside of homeostasis, they are motivated to fulfill their needs to return to balance.

Optimal arousal theory

A theory positing that to achieve peak performance on tasks, an individual must maintain a medium level of psychological arousal.

Incentive theory

A theory stating that motivation arises from external environmental stimuli that push behaviors in particular directions.

Self-determination theory

A motivation framework proposing that an individual achieves complete satisfaction only when three specific needs are met: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

Autonomy

Within self-determination theory, the freedom of choice and personal control over one's life and behaviors.

Competence

Within self-determination theory, the experience of mastery or accomplishment in a specific area of life.

Relatedness

Within self-determination theory, a felt sense of social belonging and connection to others.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

A pyramid-structured model of human motivation asserting that foundational needs (starting with physiological and safety) must largely be met before ascending to higher tiers.

Self-actualization

The realization of one's best potential self through personal growth and ascending the hierarchy of needs, achieved by an estimated $2\%$ of the population according to Maslow.