PSY150Lecture-Motivation-Ch10-OER-FA23rev

Motivation

Refers to wants & needs that activate, direct & sustain behavior, usually towards some goal.

Instinct Theory

Proposed by William James, it asserts that behavior is driven by instincts which aid survival.

Drive

States of arousal or discomfort that create tension, motivating us to engage in behavior that reduces this tension.

Homeostasis

A state of physiological equilibrium or stability that drives behavior to satisfy biological needs.

Optimal Level of Arousal

The level of stimulation that is ideal for performance; performance is maximized at this level.

Incentive Theory

Suggests that humans are motivated to do things in order to achieve some external goal.

Intrinsic Motivation

Arises from internal factors and involves behaviors performed for personal satisfaction.

Extrinsic Motivation

Arises from external factors and involves behaviors performed to receive something from others.

Overjustification Effect

The tendency to become less intrinsically motivated for an activity when offered an external reward.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A systematic arrangement of needs in order of priority, where basic needs must be met before higher needs.

Sex vs. Gender

Sex refers to biological attributes, while gender involves social, psychological, and cultural aspects.

Self-Efficacy

The belief in one's ability to complete a task and the expectation that efforts will lead to success.

Lateral Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that acts as an 'ON switch' for hunger; stimulation leads to feelings of hunger.

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

Part of the brain that acts as an 'OFF switch' for hunger; stimulation leads to feelings of satiety.

Set Point Theory

The idea that everyone has a genetically determined ideal body weight that resists change.

Ghrelin

A hormone secreted by an empty stomach that stimulates hunger.

Leptin

A hormone produced by adipose (fat) tissue that communicates with the brain to regulate appetite.

Cultural Variations in Food Preferences

Individuals learn which foods to eat based on their cultural background and social identities.

Gender Dysphoria

A DSM-5 diagnosis for individuals experiencing distress due to a mismatch between gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

Gender-Affirming Surgery

Procedures that help individuals transition to their self-identified gender, improving mental health and quality of life.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from liver stores. Decrease appetite

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. Stimulates appetite