IPSYO—Motivation and Emotion

What is the difference between biological and psychological theories of motivation?

Biological theories focus on physiological needs and drives (e.g., homeostasis), while psychological theories emphasize cognitive, emotional, and social factors (e.g., intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, achievement needs).

Describe the Drive-Reduction Theory of motivation.

Proposes that biological needs create internal drives, prompting behavior to reduce the drive and restore homeostasis (e.g., thirst → drinking water).

What is the Arousal Theory of motivation?

States that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal. Too little = boredom, too much = stress. Explains thrill-seeking behaviors.

Define Incentive Theory.

Proposes behavior is motivated by external rewards (incentives), not just internal drives (e.g., studying for grades).

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

A motivational theory proposing a five-tier pyramid:

1. Physiological

2. Safety

3. Love/Belonging

4. Esteem

5. Self-Actualization
   Higher needs emerge once lower ones are satisfied.

What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation?

Extrinsic: driven by external rewards (money, praise).
Intrinsic: driven by internal satisfaction (curiosity, mastery).

Explain Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan).

Suggests people are most motivated when they feel:

1. Autonomy

2. Competence

3. Relatedness

What are the main biological motivators?

Hunger, thirst, sex, sleep, and pain avoidance. Controlled by brain structures (e.g., hypothalamus) and hormones (e.g., ghrelin, leptin).

What is the role of the hypothalamus in hunger and satiety?

• Lateral hypothalamus stimulates hunger.

• Ventromedial hypothalamus suppresses hunger.
  Damage to either disrupts eating behavior.

What are sexual motivation and its biological influences?

Driven by hormones (testosterone, estrogen), brain structures (hypothalamus), and evolutionary mechanisms (e.g., mate selection for reproduction).

Describe the James-Lange Theory of emotion.

Emotion = perception of physiological arousal.
Stimulus → Body Response → Emotion
E.g., "I tremble, therefore I feel fear."

What is the Cannon-Bard Theory?

Emotion and arousal occur simultaneously.
Stimulus → Thalamus → Arousal + Emotion
E.g., "The bear makes my heart race and feel fear."

Explain the Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory.

Emotion = physiological arousal + cognitive label.
Stimulus → Arousal → Label ("I'm scared") → Emotion
E.g., same arousal = different emotions depending on context.

What is emotional expression and how is it studied?

Refers to facial, vocal, and behavioral cues. Paul Ekman showed that basic emotions (e.g., fear, joy, anger) are universally expressed.

How does emotional regulation develop?

Involves controlling emotional responses using strategies like reappraisal, suppression, and mindfulness. Key for psychological resilience.

Define Emotional Intelligence (EI).

The ability to perceive, understand, manage, and use emotions effectively. Popularized by Daniel Goleman. Linked to social success.

What are coping mechanisms in psychology?

Strategies to manage stress and emotions:

• Problem-focused coping: addressing the source

• Emotion-focused coping: managing emotional response

• Defense mechanisms: unconscious (e.g., denial, repression)

Contrast primary and secondary appraisal in stress response (Lazarus).

• Primary: “Is this a threat?”

• Secondary: “Can I cope with it?”
  These influence emotional and physiological reactions.

How do cultural factors affect emotion?

Cultures differ in emotional display rules, interpretation, and regulation (e.g., collectivist cultures suppress individual emotional expression more).

What is the facial feedback hypothesis?

Facial expressions influence emotional experiences (e.g., smiling can make you feel happier). Supports James-Lange theory.