Motivation and Emotion

motivation

a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

drive-reduction theory

the idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

incentive

a positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior.

Yerkes-Dodson law

the principle that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases.

hierarchy of needs

Maslow's pyramid of human needs, beginning at the base with physiological needs that must first be satisfied before higher-level safety needs and then psychological needs become active.

glucose

the form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues. When its level is low, we feel hunger.

set point

the point at which an individual's "weight thermostat" is supposedly set. When the body falls below this weight, an increase in hunger and a lowered metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight.

basal metabolic rate

the body's resting rate of energy expenditure.

facial feedback effect

the tendency of facial muscle states to trigger corresponding feelings such as fear, anger, or happiness.

approach-approach conflict

Conflict that results from having to choose between two attractive alternatives

approach-avoidance conflict

conflict occurring when a person must choose or not choose a goal that has both positive and negative aspects

arousal theory of motivation

Perform actions to maintain an optimal level of arousal -Seek to increase arousal if it falls below optimal level - Seek to decrease arousal if it rises above their optimal level

avoidance-avoidance conflict

Conflict that results from having to choose between two distasteful alternatives

Boredom susceptibility

an aversion to repetitive experiences, routine work, and predictable people, and a reaction of restless discontent when exposed to such situations.

broaden and build theory

the proposition that positive emotions expand an individual's attention and mind-set

cognitive appraisal

the interpretation of an event that helps determine its stress impact

Disinhibition

the tendency to transmit messages without considering their consequences

display rules

culturally determined rules about which nonverbal behaviors are appropriate to display

extrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior to receive promised rewards or avoid threatened punishment

Ghrelin

A hunger-arousing hormone secreted by an empty stomach

growth mindset

the idea that our abilities are malleable qualities that we can cultivate and grow

set point theory

belief that brain mechanisms regulate body weight around a genetically predetermined 'set point'

Hypothalamus

a neural structure lying below the thalamus; directs eating, drinking, body temperature; helps govern the endocrine system via the pituitary gland, and is linked to emotion

incentive theory

A theory of motivation stating that behavior is directed toward attaining desirable stimuli and avoiding unwanted stimuli.

instinct theory

A view that explains human behavior as motivated by automatic, involuntary, and unlearned responses.

intrinsic motivation

a desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake

Leptin

hormone that signals the hypothalamus and brain stem to reduce appetite and increase the amount of energy used

negative emotions

anger, anxiety, fear, guilt, shame, sadness, envy, disgust - narrow perspective for survival

positive emotions

joy, pride, relief, hope, love, and compassion - broaden perspective enabling growth

overjustification effect

The effect of promising a reward for doing what one already likes to do. The person may now see the reward, rather than intrinsic interest, as the motivation for performing the task.

self-determination theory

a theory of motivation that is concerned with the beneficial effects of intrinsic motivation and the harmful effects of extrinsic motivation

Sensation-Seeking Theory

A theory that proposes that one's level of need for varied or novel experiences is the basis of motivation

thrill-seeking

the desire to engage in physically risky activities

adventure-seeking

The desire to engage in activities that are novel and elicit excitement.

affiliation motivation

the desire to form, maintain, or repair positive relations with others

Ostracism

deliberate social exclusion of individuals or groups

achievement motivation

a desire for significant accomplishment: for mastery of things, people, or ideas; for attaining a high standard