Evolutionary Perspectives on Motivation_default

Definition: Inherited characteristics leading to automatic responses to stimuli.
Behaviors are fixed patterns common across a species.
Key Point: Instincts are not learned behaviors.
Decline of Instinct Theory:
- Circular reasoning in explanations of instincts and motivations.
- Example: "Why are people greedy? Because it’s an instinct."
- This reasoning makes it difficult to validate instincts' role in behavior.

Evolutionary psychology has shifted focus from instincts to genetic influences on motivation.

Concept: A physiological need creates an aroused state (drive) motivating behavior to satisfy the need.
- Example: Hunger as a drive due to the physiological need for food.
Drives result from disruptions to homeostasis.
- Homeostasis: A state of internal equilibrium that the body seeks.
Types of Drives:
- Physiological drives (e.g., thirst drive for water).
- Psychological drives (e.g., seeking optimal levels of anxiety or arousal).
Requirement for Homeostasis:
- A sensory system to detect imbalances.
- A control center to process the information and send responses.
- Example: Thermostat in an air conditioning system.
- Potential for failure in control systems, similar to how bodily systems can fail.

Question of comprehensiveness: Do these theories explain all human behavior?
Examples of contradictory behaviors:
- Skipping meals during diets creates hunger and frustration.
- Choosing to watch horror movies may be driven by the desire for thrill or social influences.
Highlighting the complexity of motivation extends beyond a simplistic state of drive reduction.