AP Psych: 4.7.2

Drive-reduction theory

suggests that our motivation to engage in certain behaviors is driven by the need to reduce physiological drives or tensions within our bodies.

Homeostasis

the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions.

Arousal theory

suggests that humans are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, which is the state of being alert and attentive

Optimal level of arousal

the ideal state of activation or stimulation that individuals strive to maintain in order to achieve peak performance.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

a psychological principle that states performance on tasks improves up to a point with increased physiological or mental arousal (stress), but beyond that point, further increases in arousal can lead to decreased performance.

Self-determination theory

a psychological theory that focuses on the importance of intrinsic motivation and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in promoting personal growth and well-being.

Intrinsic motivation

refers to behavior driven by internal rewards such as personal satisfaction or enjoyment derived from performing an activity itself rather than for some external reward.

Incentive theory

suggests that behavior is driven by the potential rewards or punishments associated with it.

Extrinsic motivation

refers to the drive to engage in a behavior or activity in order to obtain a separable outcome or reward, rather than for the inherent.

Instinct

innate, fixed patterns of behavior in response to certain stimuli. They're automatic responses that don't require conscious thought.

Lewin’s motivational conflicts theory

suggests that individuals are motivated to resolve conflicts that can be categorized into three types

Approach-approach conflict

a situation where an individual has to make a choice between two desirable outcomes or stimuli.

Approach-avoidance conflict

a type of conflict involving one goal or event that has both positive (attractive) and negative (repelling) aspects.

Avoidance-avoidance conflict

a decision-making situation where all available options or choices are undesirable or negative.

Sensation-seeking theory

a personality trait characterized by the pursuit of novel, varied, and intense experiences, often associated with risk-taking behaviors.

Thrill seeking

A type of sensation seeking characterized by the desire to engage in risky or exciting activities.

Adventure seeking

A type of sensation seeking characterized by the desire to engage in risky or exciting activities.

Disinhibition

a reduction in restraint or control over one's impulses and behaviors, often leading to actions that are socially inappropriate or risky.

Boredom susceptibility

A type of sensation seeking characterized by a low tolerance for monotony and a need for stimulation

Ghrelin

a hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates hunger

Leptin

a hormone produced by fat cells that signals the hypothalamus in the brain about our body fat level.

Hypothalamus

a small region of the brain that serves as the main control center for autonomic functions.

Pituitary gland

a small pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain. It's often referred to as "the master gland" because it controls other glands in your body making it a key player in regulating vital bodily functions and general wellbeing.

Affect

refers to a lack of emotional reactivity on the part of an individual

Internal factor

refer to individual traits, beliefs, or personality factors that are believed to influence a person's behavior.

External factor

influences that come from outside an individual and affect their behavior

Physiological response

the body's automatic reaction to a stimulus or situation, which can involve various changes in bodily functions.

Cognitive appraisal

the personal interpretation of a situation; it's how an individual views a situation.

Cognitive labeling

the mental interpretation, identification, or appraisal of physiological arousal that determines the specific emotion experienced.

Facial-feedback hypothesis

facial expressions can influence and regulate our emotions. When we make a facial expression, it sends signals.

Broaden-and-build theory of emotion

a psychological framework that suggests positive emotions expand an individual's awareness and encourage novel, creative thoughts and actions.

Display rules

the social and cultural norms that dictate how and when emotions should be expressed in different contexts.

Elicitors

to bring about or evoke a response or reaction. In the context of learning, it refers to causing a behavior or response by presenting a specific stimulus.