unit 7 AP Psych

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to motivation, emotion, and personality theories.

Motivation

The process that initiates, guides, and sustains goal-directed behavior.

Drive-Reduction Theory

The theory that motivation arises from the need to reduce drives, such as hunger or thirst, to maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis

The body's tendency to maintain a stable internal environment, such as temperature and blood sugar.

Hierarchy of Needs

A theory by Abraham Maslow suggesting people are motivated by a series of hierarchical needs.

Glucose

A simple sugar that is the primary source of energy for the brain and body.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

The principle that performance increases with arousal up to a point, beyond which performance decreases.

Sexual Response Cycle

The four stages of sexual activity: excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.

James-Lange Theory

The theory that emotion results from physiological reactions to stimuli.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The theory that emotional experiences and physiological reactions occur simultaneously but independently.

Two-Factor Theory

The theory that emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation of that arousal.

Polygraph

A device that measures physiological responses such as heart rate and perspiration, often used to detect lies.

Health Psychology

A field focusing on how psychological factors influence health, illness, and healthcare.

Stress

A psychological and physiological response to perceived challenges or threats.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-phase physiological response to stress proposed by Hans Selye.

Tend and Befriend Response

A stress response theory suggesting females may respond to stress by seeking social support.

Psychophysiological Illness

A physical illness caused or worsened by psychological factors such as stress.

Self-Actualization

The process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential, according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Unconditional Positive Regard

An attitude of total acceptance and support toward another person, central to Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy.

Narcissism

Excessive self-love and self-centeredness, often linked to an inflated sense of one's importance.

Individualism

A cultural orientation that emphasizes personal independence and the primacy of individual goals.

Collectivism

A cultural orientation that values group goals and interdependence over individual desires.