Chapter 11: Motivation, Hunger, and Social Behavior

Motivation

a need or desire that energizes behavior and directs it towards a goal

Instinct

a complex behavior rigidly patterned throughout a species and is unlearned

Drive

an aroused/tense state related to a physical need (exp: thirst, hunger, warmth)

Incentive

external stimuli that can 'pull' us in our actions

Drive-Reduction Theory

Humans are motivated to reduce these drives due to the need of homeostasis

Arousal Theory

aims not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimum levels of arousal.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization, self-transcendence. Main idea is that basic needs must be met before you can move on to more advanced needs

Effect of Hunger

When we are hungry, thoughts about food dominate our consciousness.

Hypothalamus

Send out appetite-stimulating or appetite-suppressing hormones

Receptors throughout the body monitor levels of glucose and send signals to where?

The Hypothalamus

Set Point

the point at which one's body tries maintain weight

Basal metabolic rate/ Metabolism

the body's resting rate of energy expenditure

Psychology of foods

We tend to avoid unfamiliar foods, some taste preferences are universal or learned in cultures.

Obesity

excessive fatness, contains many physical health risks, can lead to Depression and bullying. The Obesity rate has tripled worldwide since 1975.

Effect of sleep on weight

Sleep deprivation makes you more likely to gain weight.

Humans are social creatures means?

We love interaction with other humans

Effect of being ostracized or outcasted

Can lead to physical pain

Evolutionary perspective of why we feel the need to belong

Seeking bonds with others is linked to survival

Correlation between Social Media and rates of depression, anxiety, and self-harm

Rates of all symptoms have increased during this time

Achievement Motivation

A desire for significant accomplishment, mastering skills, and attain a high standard

Predictors of school performance

Self-Discipline + GRIT

Intrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform a behavior effectively for its own sake

Extrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform a behavior to receive rewards or avoid punishment

Excessive rewards

lead to Decreased intrinsic motivation

Results of students with more intrinsic motivation

Perform better in school, take more challenging classes, and earn more advanced degrees (extrinsic rewards)

Flow

Feeling purposefully engaged, deeply immersed, and challenged

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

the application of psychological concepts and methods to optimizing human behavior in workplaces.

Example of Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Training programs

Personnel Psychology

Selecting, Hiring and Placing Employees: Match the strengths of people to the tasks of organizations, prosperity and profit. Focus on accentuating strengths, talents rather than correct deficiencies.

Benefit of having a Personnel Psychologist assess employee performance

They're an objective 3rd party.

The Interviewer Illusion

When interviewers overestimate their ability to 'read' people.

How to predict future job performance

Aptitude tests, job knowledge tests, work samples, past job performance, structured interviews.

Performance Feedback

Can affirm workers' strengths and motivate needed improvements.

Organizational Psychology

Focuses on improving worker motivation, satisfaction, engagement, and productivity.

Employee engagement

An individual's involvement, satisfaction, and enthusiasm for work.

Effective Leaders

Work to define goals, implement plans, and provide feedback on progress.

SMART goals

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely.

Human factors Psychologists

Psychologists that help design appliances, machines, and work settings that harness natural perception sets.

How has socialization changed in recent years?

Significantly more communication is done through texting and social media sites.

Is Sexual Orientation biological or social?

Genetic and prenatal findings provide support for sexual orientation being influenced by biology.

What do scientist believe when it comes to whether or not Sexual Orientation is biological or social

scientists believe exposure to higher levels of testosterone/estrogen depending on the sex may lead to same-sex behavior.

Older brother effect

Men with older biological brothers are somewhat more likely to be gay.

What percent of people are exclusively homosexual?

3-4% for men and 2% for women.

Common misconceptions for what causes homosexuality

Absent father, Domineering mother, Molested by an adult homosexual, Peer influence, Hatred of other sex, Raised by homosexual parents.

Effect of External Stimuli

Men and women become aroused when they see, hear, or read erotic material. With repeated exposure to any stimulus, the response lessens (habituates).

Negative effects of exposure to sexually explicit material

Believing rape is acceptable, reducing satisfaction with a partner's appearance or with a relationship, desensitization.

Sexuality in the Media

Media helps write the SOCIAL SCRIPTS that affect our perceptions & actions. Extremely stereotypical portrayal of the sexes

What types of behaviors are consistent with exposure to sexually explicit content?

Perceive peers as sexually active, Permissive Attitudes, Early Sex, Inconsistent condom use.