Unit 8 - M.E.P - AP Psychology

What is Extrinsic Motivation?

A desire to perform a behavior because of promised reward or threats of punishments.

What is Intrinsic Motivation?

A desire to perform a behavior for its own sake and to be effective. (more positive results than extrinsic)

What is instinct theory?

Theory that all behaviors will be determined by innate factors and biologically based behaviors that generally lead to survival.

What is Drive Reduction Theory?

Theory that a physiological need creates a state of tension (a drive) motivating an organism to satisfy their needs. (aims for homeostasis, states that a person will eat food as a result of drive of hunger.)

What is Arousal Theory?

We are motivated to seek an optimum level of arousal and it drives our behavior.

What is Yerkes-Dodson Law?

Specific psychological principle (application of arousal theory) shows how performance on a task is best when arousal levels are at optimal level.

What is optimal level of arousal theory?

Theory that people perform best when physiological arousal is neither too high nor too low.

What is Self-Determination Theory?

All humans have three basic psychological needs that underlie growth and development: Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness

What is Lewin’s Motivational Conflicts Theory (Approach/Avoidance)?

The organism is attracted and repulsed by elements of the same situation. (Ex: marriage, pros and cons)

What is Lewin’s Motivational Conflicts Theory (Approach/Approach)?

The organism is forced to choose between two desirable outcomes (only one can be picked). (Ex: deciding between two vacation destinations)

What is Lewin’s Motivational Conflicts Theory (Avoidance/Avoidance)?

The organism is forced to choose between two different undesirable outcomes. (Ex: SAW Movie)

What is Sensation Seeking Theory?

Tendency to seek new and intense experiences, despite the risk involved.

What is thrill and adventure seeking (sensation seeking theory)?

Outdoor activities involving sensations and risks

What is experience seeking (sensation seeking theory)?

New sensory or mental experiences through unconventional choices

What is disinhibition (sensation seeking theory)?

Preference for “out of control” activities (drinking, illegal activities)

What is boredom susceptibility (sensation seeking theory)?

Intolerance of repetition or boring people

How does the hypothalamus control appetite and food intake?

Two centers, Ventromedial nuclei (causes sensation of fullness), and lateral hypothalamus (causes sensation of hunger).

What does the Pituitary gland release?

Causes release of cortisol which regulates blood glucose levels

What is facial feedback hypothesis?

Facial expressions affect our emotions, we feel happier when smiling.

What is the Broaden and Build Theory?

Positive emotions temporarily expand a person’s thought-action repertoire. This allows us to explore new ideas and build personal resources.

What is the universality of emotions?

All peoples share a universal emotional expression that supports the point to the biological heritage of the human species.

What are the seven basic emotions?

Suggestion that humans can recognize seven basic emotions: sadness, fear, anger, disgust, contempt, happiness, and surprise.

What are Display Rules?

Seven basic emotions, but the display rules vary greatly depending on culture.

What is James-Lange Theory?

An emotion provoking stimulus a physical response, that then leads to emotions. (Emotion follows behavior, we feel sorry because we cry.)

Cannon-Bard Theory?

A theory that an emotional feeling and an internal physiological response occur at the same time. (Simultaneously)

What is the Schachter Two-Factor Theory

Theory that suggests the emotions we feel depend on two things: our internal physical state, and the external situation we find ourselves in.

What is the psychoanalytic perspective?

Explains personality in terms of unconscious psychological processes (i.e. wishes, fears of which we are not fully aware of)

What is the unconscious according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

A reservoir of mostly unacceptable thoughts, wishes, feelings and memories.

What is the preconscious according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

Contains information not currently in use, but is easily accessible.

What is the Id according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

Strives to satisfy basic sexual and aggressive drives, operates only on pressure and immediate gratification

What is the superego according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

Part of personality that presents internalized ideals, provides standards for judgement

What is the ego according to the psychoanalytic perspective?

Largely conscious, “executive” part of the personality, mediates the id, superego, and reality. Operates on reality.

What is the repression defense mechanism?

Banishes anxiety-arousing thoughts, feelings, and memories from consciousness

What is the regression defense mechanism?

An individual faced with anxiety retreats to a more infantile stage

What is the sublimation defense mechanism?

Redirecting unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors

What is the reaction formation defense mechanism?

Ego unconsciously switches unacceptable impulses into their opposites (being overly kind to someone you hate)

What is the projection defense mechanism?

People disguise their own threatening impulses by attributing them to others

What is the rationalization defense mechanism?

Offers self-justifying explanations in place of the real, more threatening, unconscious reasons for one’s actions.

What is the displacement defense mechanism?

Shifts sexual or aggressive impulses towards a more acceptable or less threatening object or person

What is the denial defense mechanism?

Refusing to accept reality or facts in order to avoid uncomfortable emotions or situations.

What is a projective test?

Personality test, such as Rorschach ink blot test or TAT, that provides ambiguous stimuli designed to trigger projection of one’s inner dynaics.

What is Self-Actualization?

Ultimate psychological need that arises after basic physical and psychological needs are met and self-esteem is achieved.

What is unconditional positive regard?

An attitude of total acceptance towards another person (there might be consequences, however they still love you.) Issues might arise due to a mismatch of who you wish to be and your real self.

What is the Social-Cognitive Perspective (Bandura)?

Views behavior as influenced by the interaction between persons and their social context.

What is Reciprocal Determinism?

Interacting influences between personality and environmental factors?

What is Self-concept?

Thoughts and feelings about ourselves, “Who am I?”

What is Self-efficacy?

A person’s belief in their ability to do something

What is Self-esteem?

Confidence in one’s own worth; how we value or perceive ourselves.

What is a trait?

A characteristic pattern of behavior, disposition to feel and act

What is a personality inventory?

A questionnaire on which people respond to items designed to gauge a wide range of feelings and behaviors, uses factor analysis

What is Factor Analysis?

Statistical technique to identify and interpret underlying factors that explain observed relationships. (MBTI Test)

What is “The Big 5 Personality”?

Idea that five traits are universaly seen throughout cultures.

What is Neuroticism (The “Big Five”)?

Calm versus anxious, secure versus insecure, self-satisfied versus self-pitying

What is Extraversion (The “Big Five”)?

Sociable versus retiring, fun-loving versus sober, affectionate versus reserved

What is Openness (The “Big Five”)?

imaginative versus practical, preference for variety versus preference for routine, independent versus conforming

What is Agreeableness (The “Big Five”)?

Soft-hearted versus ruthless, trusting versus suspicious, helpful versus uncooperative

What is Conscientiousness (The “Big Five”)?

Organized versus disorganized, careful versus careless, disciplined versus impulsive