Chapter 9 Motivation Psychology

Motivation

A set of organized factors that activate, direct, and maintain behavior towards achieving a goal.

Drive Reduction Theory

Theory stating that biological needs create tension, which drives behaviors to reduce that tension and restore homeostasis.

Optimum Arousal Theory

Proposes that individuals seek an optimal level of arousal to achieve the best performance.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

A principle stating that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, after which performance diminishes.

Instinct Theory

Suggests that some behavior patterns are innate and inherited, not learned, and are universal among species.

Biological explanation of hunger

Hunger is driven by physical sensations such as stomach contractions and chemical signals from the body.

Glucose

A type of sugar that signals hunger when its levels drop in the bloodstream.

Insulin

A hormone that, when decreased, signals hunger and is influenced by the types of carbohydrates consumed.

Leptin

A hormone that decreases food intake and increases physical activity.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A theory proposing that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.

Extrinsic Reward

External rewards such as salary increases or good grades that motivate behavior.

Intrinsic Reward

Internal satisfaction or enjoyment derived from performing a task.

Psychosocial factors in hunger

Includes social cues and cultural influences that affect eating behavior beyond biological needs.

Achievement Motivation

The drive to accomplish goals and pursue success, often influenced by a desire for recognition.

Arousal

The state of being alert and mentally and physically active, which is essential for motivation.

Interactionism Theory

A combination of biological and psychosocial theories explaining motivation, emphasizing that both factors can influence behavior.