AP Psych Unit 5: motivation

Drive-reduction theory

is a psychological theory that suggests motivation arises from the need to reduce internal tensions caused by unmet biological drives, such as hunger or thirst, leading to behaviors that fulfill these needs.

Homeostasis

is the tendency of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment, ensuring physiological processes remain balanced despite external changes.

Arousal Theory

is a psychological theory that posits individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, seeking stimulation when under-aroused and calming activities when over-aroused.

optimal level of arousal

is the ideal intensity of stimulation that drives motivation and performance, balancing between boredom and overstimulation.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

is a principle that describes the relationship between arousal and performance, stating that optimal performance occurs at moderate levels of arousal, while too little or too much arousal can hinder it.

self-determinism theory

is a psychological framework suggesting that individuals have an inherent desire to make choices and govern their own lives, impacting motivation and well-being.

intrinsic motivation

is the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, stemming from personal satisfaction or interest rather than external rewards.

extrinsic motivation

is the drive to engage in an activity to achieve external rewards or avoid negative outcomes, such as money, praise, or recognition.

incentive theory

is a behavioral theory that posits people are motivated to take action based on external rewards or incentives. It emphasizes the role of expected outcomes in driving behavior.

physiological needs

the basic physical requirements for human survival—the absolute necessities for the body to function, such as air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, and sleep. As the foundation of Maslow's hierarchy, these survival needs must be met first before a person can focus on higher-level needs.

Instincts

innate, unlearned, and automatic behaviors that occur in response to specific stimuli and are shared by all members of a species.

Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory

individuals experience psychological tension when forced to choose between opposing motives, goals, or behaviors

approach approach conflicts

a psychological situation where a person must choose between two equally desirable, positive options.

approach avoidance conflict

a psychological, inner struggle where a person is attracted to and repelled by the same goal at the same time. It happens when a decision has both desirable and undesirable consequences, causing hesitation, procrastination, or anxiety, such as wanting a promotion (good pay) but dreading the added stress (bad stress).

avoidance avoidance conflict

a psychological, decision-making situation where a person must choose between two equally undesirable, negative options.

sensation seeking theory

the craving for new, intense, and complex experiences, along with the willingness to take risks—physical, social, legal, or financial—to achieve them

thrill/adventure seeking

a personality trait defined by a craving for intense, novel, and complex sensations and experiences

disinhibition

the inability to control impulses, leading to behaviors that are reckless, impulsive, or socially inappropriate.

boredom suspectibility

a personality trait reflecting a high need for novelty and excitement, causing individuals to feel restless, irritated, or "bored" quickly when faced with routine, monotony, or lack of stimulation

Ostracism

the act of being ignored, excluded, or rejected by individuals or groups,

Ghrelin

a hormone produced mainly by the stomach that signals to the brain (specifically the hypothalamus) that the stomach is empty, stimulating appetite and prompting the body to eat. It is often referred to as the "hunger hormone".

Leptin

is a hormone produced by fat cells that acts as the body's "fuel gauge" or "satiety hormone". Its primary role is to tell the brain (specifically the hypothalamus) how much body fat is stored. 

pituitary gland

a tiny, pea-sized "master gland" at the base of the brain that controls other endocrine glands and vital bodily functions

Lateral Hypothalamus

a small area of the brain known as the "hunger center." It is primarily responsible for triggering hunger,

Ventromedial Hypothalamus

a small part of the brain that acts as the "satiety center," responsible for signaling fullness after eating.