6.04 motivation

motivation

Internal force that drives us to pursue and achieve out goals, but it is fueled by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Types of motivation

1. Biological

2. Psychological

3. Social

biological

Out brains release neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline when we engage in fulfilling activities. Reinforces out behavior and continue striving towards objectives.

Psychological

Motivation influence by beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions. Self-fact and intrinsic motivation and extrinsic rewards.

Intrinsic motivation

internal desire to pursue a goal

Extrinsic rewards

external incentives like praise of tangible awards

Social

our environment, relationships, and support systems can either bolster or hinder our motivation. Positive reinforcement can enhance out drive while lack of support dampens it.

Attention

when we are motivated, attention tends to be more focused and enhance our ability to process information relevant to our goals.

Perception

motivation influences how we interpret events, someone motivated to succeed may interpret setbacks as temporary obstacles rather than failures.

Memory

motivation can enhance memory consolidation, making it easier to remember information that is relevant to our goals.

Decision-making

influencing the choices we make to align with our objectives and desires.

Drive reduction theory

motivation arises from desires to reduce internal tension or discomfort caused by physiological needs.

Ex) when someone is hungry it creates a sense of arousal or tension.

Arousal theory

proposes that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal or stimulation. People seek to increase arousal when it falls below their optimal level and decrease arousal when it exceeds it.

Yerkes-Dodson law

psychological principle that illustrates the relationship between arousal and performance, suggesting an optimal level of arousal for performance on a task, with deviations either enhancing or impairing performance.

Optimal arousal level

yerkes-Dodson law indicates that there is a specific level of arousal at which performance is optimal.

Performance and arousal

according to yerkes-Dodson law, low levels of arousal lead to low performance on tasks that require effort and attention. As arousal increases, performance also improves, up to point. However, beyond this optimal level of arousal, further increases in arousal lead to a decline in performance.

complexity of task

for simple or well-learned tasks, higher levels of arousal are typically ideal. Excessive arousal can lead to anxiety or distraction, impairing performance. More complex tasks moderate levels of arousal are typically ideal.

individual differences

some individuals may thrive in high-stress environments, while others may perform better in calmer, low-stress situations.

intrinsic motivation

• autonomy

• mastery

• purpose

extrinsic motivation

• compensation

• punishment

• reward

self-determination theory

focuses on intrinsic motivation, which refers to engaging in activities for they inherent satisfaction rather than for external rewards or pressures. individuals experience greater intrinsic motivation when psychological needs are satisfied.

1. autonomy

2. competence

3. relatedness

the three basic needs

autonomy

the need to feel in control of one’s actions and choices.

competence

the need to feel effective and capable in one’s interactions with the environment.

relatedness

the need to feel connected to others and experience a sense of belonging.

incentive theory

focuses on extrinsic motivation, which involves engaging in activities to obtain external rewards or avoid punishments. individuals are motivated by the prospect of receiving rewards or incentives by the desire to avoid negative outcomes.

sensation-seeking theory

proposes that individuals differ in their preference for novelty, complexity, and intensity, of sensory experiences.

types of sensation seeking

1. thrill

2. experience

3. disinhibition

4. boredom

thrill

seeking out exciting, thrilling, and adventurous experiences. For example, skydiving.

experience seeking

seeking out novel and stimulating experiences, regardless of risk/danger. For example, individuals may enjoy traveling or trying exotic foods.

disinhibition

involves seeking out experiences that involve breaking social norms, inhibitions, or constraints. for example, partying and socializing in large groups, and reckless behavior.

boredom susceptibility

low tolerance for monotony, routine, or predictability. May quickly become bored with repetitive activities and seek out new and stimulating experiences to alleviate boredom.

instinct theory

suggests that behavior is primarily driven by innate, biologically determined instincts or fixed patterns of behavior that are characteristic of a species. this is not applied as much with humans in comparison to non-human species.

Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory

describes how individuals experience conflicts between different motives or goals, leading to changes in behavior and psychological tension. conflicting motives create dissonance.

Types)

1. approach-approach

2. avoidance-avoidance

3. approach-avoidance

approach-approach

type of conflict that arises when two attractive or desirable options but can only choose one. Both options have positive qualities, making the decision challenging.

avoidance-avoidance

when an individual must choose between two unattractive or undesirable options, both of which have negative consequences. The individual is motivated to avoid both options, but they must select one despite the drawbacks.

approach-avoidance

when a single option or goal has both attractive and unattractive aspects, creating ambivalence or mixed feelings. The individual is drawn toward the goal due to its positive qualities but also wants to avoid it because of its negative aspects.

eating

satisfies physiological needs for nourishment and energy.

belongingness

fulfills social and emotional needs for connection and acceptance. Provide insights into human behavior, relationships, and well being

ghrelin

“hunger hormone” stimulates appetite and promotes food intake. It is primarily produced by cells in the stomach lining and released into the bloodstream when the stomach is empty.

leptin

“satiety hormone” it suppresses appetite and promotes feelings of fullness. Produced by fat tissue and acts as a long term regulation of energy balance. Circulates in the bloodstream and crosses the blood-brain barrier to act on receptors in the hypothalamus.