Motivational Psychology

Motivation

a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior toward achieving goals or fulfilling objectives.

Instinct Theory

suggests that behavior is driven by innate biological instincts that motivate action (this is unlearned)

Instinct theory is related to which perspective of psychology

evolutionary perspective

example of instinct theory

baby ducks imprinting on the first moving object they see, typically their mother.

drive reduction theory

motivated to satisfy biological needs to reduce drives created by internal states of tension

goal of drive reduction theory

homeostasis

homeostasis

tendency to maintain a balanced or consistent internal state

example of drive reduction theory

eating food or drinking water because you are hungry or thirsty

incentive

a positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior

incentive theory

people are motivated to do things because of external rewards

example of incentive theory

motivated to work because your getting paid

arousal theory of motivation

people take actions to either increase or decrease their levels of arousal

example of arousal theory of motivation

when bored, you might seek out a stimulating activity like working out or socializing

Yerkes-Dodson Law

performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but only up to a point, when levels become too high and performance begins to decrease

cognitive dissonance theory

the mental discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes, often leading individuals to change their thoughts or behaviors to reduce the discomfort

example of cognitive dissonance theory

smokers know that smoking is bad, yet they still do it

affiliation need

the need to build relationships and feel part of a group

ostracism

deliberate social exclusion of individuals or groups

narcissism

excessive self-love and self-absorption

achievement motivation

a desire for significant accomplishment and mastery of tasks; wanting to be the best

grit

passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals

maslow’s heirchy of needs

begins at the base of the pyramid with basic physiological needs and progresses to higher-level psychological needs, ending with self-actualization

maslow’s heirchry of needs: physiological needs

bottom of the pyramid; need to satisfy hunger and thirst

maslow’s heirchry of needs: saftey needs

2nd level of the pyramid: need to feel that the world is organized and predictable; need to feel safe

maslow’s heirchry of needs: belongingness + love needs

3rd level of the pyramid: need to love and be loved; to belong and be accepted; need to avoid loneliness and separation

maslow’s heirchry of needs: esteem needs

4th level of the pyramid: need for self-esteem, achievement, competence, and independence; need for recognition and respect from others.

maslow’s heirchry of needs: self-actualization needs

5th level of the pyramid: need to find meaning and identity beyond the self

Cannon-Washburn Hunger Experiment

A study conducted by Walter Cannon and A.L. Washburn in 1912 that aimed to determine the physiological basis of hunger, involving the observation of hunger pangs in relation to gastric contractions.

Glucose

the form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides major source of energy for the body

low glucose causes

hunger

insulin

a hormone produced by the pancreas that diminishes blood flow by converting it into stored fat

Hypoglycemia

occurs when blood sugar levels are too low through lack of food; often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and weakness

Hyperglycemia