Motivation

Motivation

The process that initiates, directs, and sustains goal-oriented behaviors.

Instinct Theory/Evolutionary Perspective

The idea that behavior is driven by instincts, which are unlearned, fixed patterns of behavior in a species.

Drive Reduction Theory

The theory that motivation arises from the need to satisfy biological drives and maintain balance in the body.

Homeostasis

The body’s tendency to maintain a stable internal state (e.g., temperature, hydration).

Arousal Theory

The idea that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, rather than eliminating it.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Performance improves with arousal up to a point but decreases if arousal is too high.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A theory that humans are motivated by a progression of needs, starting with basic survival and leading to self-actualization.

Stomach Contractions

Early research suggested hunger is triggered by stomach contractions, but hunger is also influenced by the brain and hormones.

Lateral Hypothalamus

The brain area that stimulates hunger; when damaged, an individual may stop eating.

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

The brain area that signals when to stop eating; when damaged, an individual may overeat.

Set Point Theory

The idea that the body has a natural weight range and works to maintain it through hunger and metabolism adjustments.

Obesity

A condition of excessive body weight that increases health risks.

Bulimia

An eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging.

Binging

Consuming large amounts of food in a short period.

Purging

Using vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise to rid the body of consumed food.

Anorexia

An eating disorder characterized by self-starvation and an intense fear of gaining weight.

Kinsey Study

A pioneering study on human sexual behavior that challenged social norms.

Masters and Johnson Study

Researchers who studied the physiological aspects of human sexual response.

Sexual Response Cycle

The four-stage model of sexual response: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Sexual Orientation

A person’s enduring pattern of attraction to others (e.g., heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual).

Need for Achievement

The desire to accomplish goals, excel, and succeed.

Intrinsic Motivators

Motivation driven by internal satisfaction (e.g., curiosity, enjoyment).

Extrinsic Motivators

Motivation driven by external rewards (e.g., money, recognition).

Need for Power

The desire to influence and control others.

Need for Intimacy

The desire for close, meaningful relationships.

Flow

A state of deep concentration and enjoyment in an activity.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

The study of human behavior in workplaces to improve productivity and well-being.

Theory X Management

Assumes employees are lazy and need strict control.

Theory Y Management

Assumes employees are motivated and thrive with autonomy.

Approach-Approach Conflict

Choosing between two desirable options.

Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict

Choosing between two undesirable options.

Approach-Avoidance Conflict

A decision that has both positive and negative aspects.

James-Lange Theory of Emotion

Emotions occur as a result of physiological reactions (e.g., "I feel afraid because my heart is racing").

Cannon-Bard Theory of Emotion

Emotions and physiological responses occur simultaneously (e.g., "I feel afraid and my heart races at the same time").

Singer-Schachter Two-Factor Theory of Emotion

Emotions depend on both physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

Selye’s three-stage model of stress response: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Type A Personality

Competitive, high-strung, and prone to stress-related illnesses.

Type B Personality

Relaxed, patient, and less prone to stress.

Coronary Heart Disease

A stress-related condition where arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, increasing heart attack risk.

Biofeedback

A technique that uses monitoring devices to help people gain control over physiological functions (e.g., heart rate, muscle tension).