AP psych - Motivation (2nd test)

Social theory of motivation

• motivated by the need to avoid cognitive dissonance ( the tension between our conflicting thoughts, behaviors, and values)

• When our motives come into conflict, they come in four different types of conflict 

  • 1) approach-approach = when one has to pick between two desirable options (ex. two unis you like)

  • 2) avoidance - avoidance = when one has to choose between two undesirable choices (choosing between the lesser of two evils)

  • 3) approach-avoidance = when you only have one option that has pros and cons (only one uni has your major but is expensive)

  • 4) multiple approach avoidance = when you have many choices but each has positives and negatives (many uni options but none are ideal) 

Type A VS. Type B

Type A = a pattern of behavior that is characterized by being competitive, having little interest in time issues, and easygoing attitudes. They also tend to respond to stress quickly and aggressively. Their responses typically increase their amount of stress and they also tend to seek jobs that put high demands on them. 

Type B = they get stressed more slowly and their stress levels don’t reach the levels of those who are Type A 

Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation

Intrinsic motivation = whenever we want to do smth b/c it’s important to us, no outside bribes and reminders from other people,

ex. if you want to get an A, b/c you want to do your personal best, and you take pride in your work.

Extrinsic Motivation: motivation that comes from outside forces of a person,

ex. being paid $50 for every A on your report card by your parents

Fixed Mindset Vs. Growth Mindset 

Fixed Mindset - when people believe that their basic qualities like intelligence, general talent, artistic ability, are fixed traits, ex. my talent alone can lead to success and not effort 

Growth mindset - when people believe that their basic abilities can be developed through hard work and dedication

• this perspective emphasizes the importance of having a love of learning in a walks of life and valuing resilience and growth 

Intrinsic Factors that motivate

1) self-determination - the need to feel competent or in command of a certain task/situation

2) self-efficacy - the belief that you can or cannot attain a certain goal 

-The higher the level of self-efficacy, the more likely you are able to achieve it. 

Biological Theory of Motivation

The biological theory of motivation was the early theories of motivation that had relied on the biological basis of motivation, such as the theory that we’re motivated by instinct, genetically programmed patterns of behavior

Flaw - for food and hunger, we don’t eat only to satisfy hunger, ex eating to sacrifice, relieve boredom, feel comfort. We also stop eating for other reasons than hunger. For ex., we may stop eating for other reasons such as exerting control, losing weight, or making political statements like Gandhi and others.

So food helps us see that there are many factors or motivated behaviors

_{Humanistic Theory of Motivation}

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchical system = the most well-known 5 levels of needs, each need must be satisfied to be able to move onto the next level  

needs include - the need for security, safety, belonging, love, and achievement

His theory follows a Western model, so there’s an emphasis on individuality, but still important 

Bottom Line: We still need to satisfy our base needs like hunger and security, before being able to satisfy our higher needs, like the need for achievement 

Big Idea: self-actualization = when people creatively and meaningfully fulfill their full potential. To Maslow, this was the ultimate goal

General Adaption Syndrome/Stress Response Cycle 

1) alarm - a stressful situation was detected, and the fight or flight response kicks in

2) resistance - body releases stress hormone, cortisol

3) exhaustion - the body burns through its resources and returns its function to its baseline

You may become fatigued if you’re constantly in a state of stress and may become more irritable

People respond to stress differently. ex. Highly sensitive people may not respond to it well while non HSP may react it well 

Four Theories of Neurophysiology and motivation 

1) Instinct Theory: like the evolutionary theory, it says that we’re learning species-specific behavior, motivated organisms to do what is necessary to ensure survival 

2) arousal theory: there’s an optimal level of arousal (alertness activation) that is optimal. Also is quite subjective to the individual but a moderate level is ideal 

Related Idea: Yerkes Dodson Law = states that tasks of moderate difficulty ellicts the highest level of performance

3) Opponent Process Theory - motivation theory related to the concept of addiction, ex pleasurable feelings that come from the neurological activity in pleasure centers of the brain. we are motivated to seek stimuli that make us feel good 

4) Drive reduction theory - physiological needs put stress on the body and we’re motivated to reduce this negative experience 

Homeostasis - our natural equilibrium. When the balance of equilibrium shifts, we’re motivated to bring it back to balance