Theories of Motivation, Emotion, Development, and Personality

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from theories of motivation, emotion, development, and personality.

Drive Theory

A theory suggesting that behavior is motivated by a need caused by physiological deprivation, leading to a tension state called a drive.

Homeostasis

The goal of drive reduction that aims to maintain physiological balance or equilibrium.

Incentives

External stimuli that pull you toward a goal, as opposed to internal drives that push you.

Goal Setting Theory

Theory that states goals are most effective when they are specific, challenging but attainable, and self-set.

Instinct Theory

A theory suggesting behavior is driven by complex, inherited patterns characteristic of a species.

Kin Selection

The evolutionary strategy that favors reproductive success of an organism's relatives, leading to altruistic behavior towards those relatives.

Self Determination Theory

A theory proposing that individuals have three inborn universal needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy, influencing optimal functioning.

Overjustification Effect

The phenomenon whereby providing external rewards for an intrinsically rewarding activity can undermine intrinsic motivation.

Achievement Motivation

The need for achievement, characterized by the desire for excellence, mastery, and success.

Cognitive Developmental Theory

Piaget's theory that children learn actively by constructing knowledge and that development occurs in stages.

Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)

The area between what a child can do independently and what they can do with guidance, emphasizing the importance of social interaction in learning.

Attachment Styles

Patterns of attachment behavior in infants, which can be secure, resistant, avoidant, or disorganized, affecting later relationships.

Trait Theory

An approach to personality that focuses on identifying, measuring, and comparing individual personality traits.

Big Five Model (Five Factor Model)

A prominent model of personality consisting of five traits: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness.

Internal Locus of Control

The belief that one has control over their own life and outcomes resulting from their actions.

Extrinsic Motivation

Engaging in an activity to obtain an external reward or to avoid punishment.

Reciprocal Altruism

Behavior where helping others increases the likelihood of receiving help in return, benefiting both parties.

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

The theory that facial expressions can influence emotional experiences.

Scaffolding

An educational process where teachers provide successive levels of temporary support to help students achieve higher levels of understanding.