02/27 Flashcards
motivation
a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior
instinct
a complex, unlearned behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout a species.
drive reduction theory
the idea that a physiological need (such as for food or water) creates an aroused, motivated state–a drive (such as hunger or thirst) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.
Drive reduction is one way our bodies strive for homeostasis (the maintenance of a steady internal state)
incentive theory
not only are we pushed by our need to reduce drives, but we are also pulled by
incentives —positive or negative environmental stimuli that lure or repel us.
optimum arousal
holds that some motivated behaviors actually increase arousal. We don’t like doing too little (bored) or too much (stressed). Arousal Theory focuses on finding
the right level of stimulation.
yerkes dodson law
suggests that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases. Tasks of different difficulties require different degrees of arousal. So, moderate arousal leads to optimal performance
maslow’s hierarchy of needs
a pyramid of human needs, beginning at the base with physiological needs that must first be satisfied before higher - level safety needs and then psychological needs become active.
affiliation need
the need to build and maintain relationships and to feel part of a group.
self determination theory
the theory that we feel motivated to satisfy our needs for competence , autonomy , and relatedness
motivation conflict theory
proposed by psychologist Kurt Lewin, suggests that individuals are motivated to resolve conflicts that can be categorized into three types:
approach approach conflict
This occurs when an individual must choose between two equally attractive options.
approach avoidance conflict
This arises when one option has both attractive and unattractive aspects
avoidance avoidance conflict
This happens when an individual must choose between two equally unattractive options.
sensation seeking theory
suggests that our motivation can come from a desire for new or exciting experiences. People are driven by a need for variety or novel activities.
experience seeking
looking for new ideas and experiences
thrill or adventure seeking
wanting to engage in risky or exciting activities
disinhibition
seeking situations that lower self-control or social norms
boredom susceptibility
finding it hard to tolerate repetitive or dull situations
