motivation - psych final FRQ

Motivation

A psychological process that directs and maintains behavior towards a goal.

Instinct

Complex, inherited behavior patterns characteristic of a species that is unlearned.

Drive-reduction theory

based on the idea that the primary motivation behind all human behavior is to reduce 'drives

Homeostasis

A tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry, such as blood glucose, around a particular level.

Need

A necessity, especially a physiological.

Desire

Something that is wanted, but not needed.

Arousal

The level of alertness, wakefulness, an activation caused by activity in the CNS.

Yerkes-Dodson Law of Arousal

People perform best at a moderate level of arousal.

Incentive

A positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior.

Primary incentives

Motivates behavior to satisfy a physiological need. (innate

—> food, liquids, etc.)

Secondary incentive

Motivates behavior to satisfy a desire. (learned)

Overjustification effect

The effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes to do and then losing interest in it.

Lateral hypothalamus (LH)

The “on” button for eating.

Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH)

The “off” button for eating.

Sexual response cycle

The four stages of sexual responding described by Masters and Johnson – excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

Refractory period

A resting period after orgasm, during which a man cannot achieve another orgasm.

Sexual orientation

Sexual attraction toward members of either one’s own sex, both sexes, any sex/gender, or the opposite sex.

Kinsey Scale

One of the first theories to place human sexuality, conducted in the 1950s.

Twin Studies

Show there is a genetic link related to sexual orientation.