Motivation

What is motivation?

The force that moves people to behave, think, and feel as they do; it energizes, directs, and sustains behavior.

What does the Evolutionary Approach to motivation emphasize?

It emphasizes the role of instincts and evolutionary past in motivation.

What are instincts in the context of motivation?

Inborn patterns of behavior that are biologically determined rather than learned.

What does Drive Reduction Theory state?

Behavior arises from physiological needs that cause internal drives.

What is homeostasis?

The body's tendency to maintain an equilibrium or a steady internal state.

What is the Yerkes-Dodson law?

Performance is best under conditions of moderate arousal rather than either low or high arousal.

What is the goal of drive reduction?

To achieve homeostasis.

Define allostasis.

The adaptive way in which the body changes its set points in response to changes in life or the environment.

What is osmotic thirst?

Thirst that results from eating salty foods, triggered by the difference in osmotic pressure between cells.

What is hypovolemic thirst?

Thirst that results from losing fluid, such as from bleeding, diarrhea, or sweating, and is related to sodium-specific hunger.

What signals satiety according to stomach and intestines?

Distention of the stomach and the duodenum, as well as the release of CCK (cholecystokinin).

What is leptin?

A substance produced by fat cells that monitors fat levels in the body.

What does the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus control?

Hunger and satiety.

What happens when the lateral hypothalamus is damaged?

An animal may refuse food and water.

What are the main eating disorders discussed?

Obesity, Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder.

What is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

A sequence of needs where basic needs must be met before higher needs can be satisfied.

What are the three basic organismic needs according to Self-Determination Theory?

Competence, Relatedness, and Autonomy.

What is intrinsic motivation?

Motivation that comes from organismic needs and enjoyability.

What is self-regulation?

The process by which an organism controls behavior in order to pursue important objectives.

What is delay of gratification?

Putting off pleasurable experience knowing there will be future payoff.

What is extrinsic motivation?

Motivation that comes from outside the individual, such as rewards or external incentives.

How do physiological needs affect motivation?

Physiological needs, such as hunger and thirst, create biological drives that motivate behavior.

What role do hormones play in motivation?

Hormones can influence feelings of hunger, satiety, and other motivational states.

What is the concept of ‘achievement motivation’?

The desire to excel, or achieve in relation to standards of excellence.

Define 'emotional intelligence' in motivation context.

The ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others, influencing motivation and behavior.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation arises from internal satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards.

What impact does social support have on motivation?

Social support can enhance motivation by providing encouragement, accountability, and a sense of belonging.

Define 'Goal-setting theory'.

The theory that specific and challenging goals can enhance motivation and performance.

What is the role of feedback in motivation?

Feedback provides information on progress and performance and can influence future motivation.

What does the concept of 'self-efficacy' refer to?

The belief in one’s capabilities to achieve a goal or complete a task, which affects motivation levels.