Motivation

Motivation

Needs or desires that energize and direct behavior.

Drive-reduction theory

Explains that as physiological needs increase, so does the psychological drive to reduce them.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a steady internal state.

Arousal theory

States that we are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases.

Sensation-seeking theory

Defined by the search for varied, novel, complex, and intense experiences.

Self-determination theory

Argues that people are motivated to learn and grow if their basic psychological needs are satisfied.

Intrinsic motivation

Participation in an activity that is personally rewarding and fulfilling.

Extrinsic motivation

Participation in an activity to gain a reward or avoid punishment.

Instinct

A complex behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout a species and not acquired by learning.

Drive

An aroused, motivated state that pushes us to reduce a physiological need.

Incentive theory

An external goal that has the capacity to motivate behavior.

Conflict

Perceived incompatibility of actions, goals, or ideas.

Approach-approach conflict

Occurs when you must choose between two desirable outcomes.

Avoidance-avoidance conflict

Occurs when you must choose between two unattractive outcomes.

Approach-avoidance conflict

Exists when one event or goal has both attractive and unattractive features.

Set Point Theory

The stable weight toward which semi-starved rats return, influenced by heredity.

Ghrelin

Hormone that causes stomach contractions to promote hunger.

Leptin

Hormone produced by fat cells that eliminates hunger.

Hypothalamus

Maintains homeostasis and controls the pituitary gland.

Glucose Theory

The brain monitors blood chemistry and triggers hunger as glucose levels drop.

Taste Preferences

Cultural and physiological factors influence what we eat.

Arousal (in eating context)

Engagement in an activity can influence our eating behaviors.

Presence of others (in eating context)

We tend to eat more when in social settings.

Serving Size & Selection

Large portions and multiple choices can encourage overeating.

Pituitary gland:

controls endocrine glands