motivation

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors.

Drive

A psychological process that directs and maintains behavior toward a goal, not an instinct.

Primary Drive

Innate drives controlled by the hypothalamus, such as hunger, thirst, or sex.

Secondary Drive

Drives that are learned through conditioning, such as working for money.

Instincts

Genetically programmed behaviors in response to specific stimuli.

Incentives

Stimuli that pull us to do something, which can be positive or negative.

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something because you want to, without external incentives or pressure.

Extrinsic Motivation

Doing something due to external incentives, such as rewards.

Instinct Theory

Motivation driven by inborn behaviors, such as imprinting and baby reflexes.

Drive Reduction Theory

Motivation that arises from imbalances in homeostasis, creating needs that prompt action.

Optimum Arousal Theory

The theory that suggests there is an optimal level of arousal for performance.

Self-Determination Theory

The theory that individuals become self-determined when their needs for competence, relatedness, and autonomy are met.

Sensational-Seeking Theory

The tendency to engage in thrilling activities to increase stimulation and arousal.

Approach-approach Conflict

A conflict arising from two attractive but incompatible goals.

Avoidance-avoidance Conflict

Conflict arising between two undesirable alternatives.

Approach-avoidance Conflict

A situation where one is simultaneously attracted and repelled by the same option.

Glucose

A form of sugar in the blood that serves as a major energy source; low levels trigger hunger.

Ghrelin

A hormone that stimulates hunger, often remembered as 'growling' ghrelin.

Leptin

A hormone that suppresses hunger, often remembered as 'lazy' leptin.

Lateral Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that, when stimulated, makes one feel hungry; lesions result in no hunger.

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that, when stimulated, makes one feel full; lesions lead to never feeling full.

Set Point

The weight level at which a person's body is predisposed to weigh, based on genetics.

Basal Metabolic Rate

The body's resting rate of energy output.