Maslow hierarchy of needs

Instinct Theory

We are motivated by unlearned, automatic behaviors that all members of a species share

Drive-Reduction Theory

We are motivated to fix uncomfortable feelings caused by a lack of something necessary (a need)

Arousal Theory

We are motivated to find the right level of excitement or stimulation, not too little and not too much.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

We are motivated by needs arranged in a ladder of importance. We focus on basic survival needs first before we care about higher goals like friendship or achieving our dreams.

Motivation

The push or pull that makes you do something.

Instinct

An automatic action you don't have to learn.

Physiological Need

A basic bodily necessity, like food, water, or sleep.

Homeostasis

Your body's goal to keep things balanced and stable (like keeping your temperature or blood sugar steady).

Incentive

a thing that motivates or encourages one to do something.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

You perform best when you have a moderate amount of energy or stress. If you're too relaxed or too stressed, your performance suffers.