4- Motivation, instinct and drive

Question 1

What is an instinct?

Answer 1

They are automatic, irresistible reactions to a trigger. They are unmodifiable. They also occur in every member of the species.

Question 2

What is motivation?

Answer 2

An urge that prompts a person do something.

Question 3

What is homeostasis?

Answer 3

Self-regulating physiological systems that function to maintain internal bodily conditions in a state of equilibrium or constancy E.g. shivering when cold, sweating when hot
Negative feedback system

Question 4

What is drive reduction theory?

Answer 4

Hull
- E.g. when a thirsty rat drinks water it alleviates its physiological needs for water, thereby reducing its thirst drive.

Question 5

What is an incentive?

Answer 5

external ‘pull’

Question 6

What is set point theory?

Answer 6

• Individuals have a particular state that they try and maintain
• E.g. like a thermostat
• E.g. If we get too cold, we shiver to warm ourselves up
• We have biological control systems that actively maintain features such as weight, body temperature and hydration

Question 7

What is glucostatic theory?

Answer 7

eating is initiated when blood glucose levels fall below a certain point and ends when blood glucose rises above a certain point

Question 8

What is lipostatic theory?

Answer 8

individuals have a set point for body fat and deviations produce either an increase or decrease in eating

Question 9

What is settling point theory?

Answer 9

• Bodily systems find a natural balance based on the input and output of the system

Ventromedial area:
Lesioning- Increases eating
Stimulating- Decreases eating

Lateral area:
Lesioning- Decreases eating
Stimulating- Increases eating

Question 10

Reproductive behaviour

Answer 10

• We have an endocrine system
• Glands secrete hormones
• Males and females have both androgens and oestrogens
• Gonadal hormones play a role in the control of the adult male sexual behaviour
  o Castration results in drop in sexual interest and behaviour
• Gonadal hormones also play a role in the control of female sexual behaviour related to ovulation
  o Only female primates show interest in sexual behaviour in times of infertility
  o Humans and other primates still want sex even if they cant get pregnant

Question 11

What factors influence sexual behaviour?

Answer 11

• Previous experience
• Conditioning
• Social pressure
• Imprinting