Key Concepts in Motivation and Emotion

Motivation

A need or desire that drives behavior.

Instinct

Innate, automatic behavior in response to stimuli.

Drive-Reduction Theory

Motivation to satisfy biological needs and restore balance.

Homeostasis

Body's tendency to maintain internal balance.

Arousal Theory

Motivation driven by optimal arousal levels.

Sensation-seeking Theory

Desire for varied, novel, intense experiences.

Disinhibition

Impulse control reduction, often in social settings.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Performance varies with arousal level.

Self-determination Theory

Motivation influenced by autonomy, competence, relatedness.

Intrinsic motivation

Motivation from internal enjoyment or satisfaction.

Incentive

External reward motivating behavior.

Extrinsic motivation

Motivation from external rewards or punishments.

Approach-approach conflict

Choosing between two desirable options.

Approach-avoidance conflict

One choice has pros and cons.

Avoidance-avoidance conflict

Choosing between two negative options.

Ghrelin

Hormone that stimulates hunger.

Leptin

Hormone that signals fullness.

Hypothalamus

Brain region controlling hunger and homeostasis.

Pituitary gland

Regulates hormones and bodily functions.

Emotion

Complex response with physiological and psychological components.

Affect

Emotional experience or expression.

Facial-feedback hypothesis

Facial expressions influence emotions.

Display rules

Cultural norms for expressing emotions.

Elicitors

Stimuli that trigger emotional responses.