4.6 Motivation Flashcards
Motivation
An internal state or condition that pushes our biological and instinctual urges (nature) and pulls our thought processes and cultures (Nurture).
Intrinsic Motivation
Ex) Studying a subject solely because they find it interesting, not because of a good grade or external reward
The drive to perform an action or behavior solely for the enjoyment or personal satisfaction derived from the activity itself, without the need for external rewards or pressure
Extrinsic Motivation
Ex) Studying hard solely for a good grade.
The drive to perform an action due to external rewards or to avoid negative consequences. Motivation comes from outside one’s self.
Instincts
Ex) Sucking (Rooting reflex), smiling, crying, or hunger
Innate, fixed patterns of behavior that are present in response to specific stimuli and are often species-specific
Instinct Theories:
Ex) A baby crying when hungry, a bird building a nest, or a newborn mammal instinctively seeking its mother’s milk.
Some motivation is the result of evolutionary programming.
Fixed Action Patterns:
Ex) Baby ducks following their mother
Motivated by inborn instinctual behavior patterns.
Drive Reduction Theory:
Ex) Drinking water is motivated by the desire to reduce the uncomfortable feeling of thirst.
Behavior is motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs such as hunger.
Which region of the brain is most connected with hunger?
The hypothalamus (A part of the limbic system)
Ghrelin
The hunger hormone
Leptin
The “I’m full” signal
Pituitary Gland
A small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones that control the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands throughout the body
Arousal Theory
Based on the observation that people find both very high and very low levels of arousal unpleasant.
Low: Boredom
High: Stress
Sensation seeking theory
People who find the heightened arousal of novel experiences very pleasurable. Seem to require varied, complex, and unique sensory experiences. (Adrenaline junkies.)
What is Lewin’s Motivational Conflict Theory?
Categories decision-making conflicts based on whether the options presented are desirable or undesirable
Approach-Approach Conflict
Choice of two good things.
Avoidance-Avoidance
Two bad solutions (A rock and a hard place)
Approach-Avoidance
Single: Doing it or not (thing has positive and negative aspects)
Multiple: No perfect options
Self-Determination Theory
Humans are motivated by a natural desire to grow and fulfill their potential
Optimal Level of Arousal
The moderate level of physiological and psychological activation where an individual performs best, meaning neither too little (boredom) nor too much stimulation (stress) is present, allowing for optimal performance on a task
Yerkes-Dodson Law
performance on a task increases with physiological or mental arousal up to a certain point, after which further increases in arousal lead to a decline in performance
