AP Psych Study Guide - Unit 4 (pt 2) Personality - Motivation & Emotion

Motivation

• Definition:

  • The need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

• Drive:

  • Psychological tension or arousal that motivates an organism to satisfy a need.

  • Examples:

  • Hunger motivating a person to eat.

  • Thirst driving someone to drink water.

• Homeostasis and Drive:

  • Homeostasis refers to the body's tendency to maintain a balanced internal state.

  • When homeostasis is disrupted (e.g., hunger or cold), a drive is created to restore balance (e.g., eating or putting on a jacket).

Hormones in Motivation

• Leptin:

  • Hormone produced by fat cells that decreases hunger.

• Ghrelin:

  • Hormone released in the stomach that increases hunger.

Theories of Motivation

• Incentive Theory:

  • Suggests behavior is motivated by external rewards or punishments (incentives) rather than internal needs.

• Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation:

  • Intrinsic Motivation:

  • Doing something because it is personally rewarding.

  • Example: Reading a book because you enjoy it.

  • Extrinsic Motivation:

  • Doing something to earn a reward or avoid punishment.

  • Example: Studying to get a good grade or to avoid getting in trouble.

Self-Efficacy

• Definition:

  • One's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations or accomplish a task.

  • High self-efficacy can enhance motivation and performance.