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PSYC > Ch 9: Motivation & Emotion > Flashcards

Ch 9: Motivation & Emotion Flashcards

1
Q

What is the main goal of the psychology of motivation?

A

To understand the reasons behind human behavior, including why we act, strive for success, or take risks.

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2
Q

What is a motive?

A

The internal experience of reasons for goal-directed behavior

Ex: thirst motivates us to get a drink, or the desire to be supportive motivates us to call a friend.

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3
Q

What is a need?

A

A state of deprivation essential for survival (e.g., food, water) or psychological well-being (e.g., achievement, approval)

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4
Q

What is a drive?

A

A state of arousal linked to an unmet need.

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5
Q

What are the 2 types of drives?

A

Physiological drives: unlearned drives with a biological basis, such as hunger, thirst, and avoidance of pain

Psychological drives: drives on a psychological basis, such as the drive for achievement or social belonging.

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6
Q

True or false: Drives emerge when a need is unmet.

A

T

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7
Q

What is an incentive?

A

An external factor that can satisfy a need (e.g., money, attention).

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8
Q

What is an instinct in evolutionary theory?

A

An inherited tendency to act in specific ways to achieve survival or reproductive goals.

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9
Q

What does “inclusive fitness” refer to?

A

The likelihood of survival and reproduction of one’s genetic relatives.

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10
Q

Human motivations are linked to five categories aimed at increasing “inclusive fitness.” What are they?

A
  1. self-protection
  2. mating
  3. relationship maintenance
  4. group membership
  5. memetic motivations
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11
Q

What is drive-reduction theory?

A

The theory that behavior is motivated by the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet physiological needs (hunger, thirst). They are motivated to restore homeostasis.

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12
Q

What is homeostasis?

A

The body’s tendency to maintain a balanced internal state.

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13
Q

What is the “search for stimulation” idea?

A

Some behaviors are motivated by a need to increase stimulation, not reduce tension. These behaviors are often driven by a desire for dopamine release and a heightened state of arousal.

Ex: Thrill and adventure seeking

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14
Q

What is the humanistic theory?

A

it emphasizes the conscious pursuit of personal fulfillment

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15
Q

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

A

A motivational theory ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization at the top.

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16
Q

What is self-actualization?

A

The fulfillment of one’s full potential and personal growth.

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17
Q

Each theory offers insights into different types of motivation. Can you give me 1 example of each?

A

Drive-reduction theory explains basic physiological motivations (like hunger)

Stimulus motives explain social behaviors

Self-actualization motives account for behaviors related to personal growth and fulfillment.

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18
Q

What signals satiety during eating?

A

Chewing/swallowing and signals from the digestive system.

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19
Q

What role does the hypothalamus play in hunger?

A

It regulates hunger through complex neural networks.

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20
Q

What happens when the ventromedial nucleus is damaged?

A

It can cause overeating (hyperphagia).

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21
Q

What happens when the lateral hypothalamus is damaged?

A

Undereating (aphagic)

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22
Q

How do emotions affect hunger?

A

Stress, boredom, or seeing food can trigger eating, even when not physically hungry.

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23
Q

What is adaptive thermogenesis?

A

The body’s tendency to conserve energy when dieting, making weight loss harder.

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24
Q

What characterizes anorexia nervosa?

A

Dramatic weight loss and a distorted body image.

25
What is bulimia nervosa?
Cycles of binge eating followed by purging.
26
What are common origins of eating disorders?
Genetic, psychological, biological, and social/cultural factors, including trauma.
27
What hormone is linked to increased sexual desire in men?
Testosterone.
28
What hormone promotes pair bonding post-orgasm?
Oxytocin
29
What are the 4 stages of the sexual response cycle?
Excitement Plateau Orgasm Resolution
30
What is Estrogen?
The female sex hormone linked to sexual development, the menstrual cycle, and increased sexual desire
31
What is Progesterone?
female sex hormone linked to the menstrual cycle and decreased sexual desire
32
What is the excitement phase?
the first phase of the sexual response cycle, which is characterized by muscle tension, increases in the heart rate, and erection in the male and vaginal lubrication in the female
33
What is the plateau phase?
the second phase of the sexual response cycle, which is characterized by increases in vasocongestion, muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure in preparation for orgasm
34
What is the Orgasmic Phase?
the height or climax of sexual excitement, involving involuntary muscle contractions, release of sexual tensions, and, usually, subjective feelings of pleasure
35
What is the Resolution Phase?
the fourth phase of the sexual response cycle, during which the body gradually returns to its pre-aroused state
36
What is the refractory period?
A time after orgasm during which men cannot become aroused again.
37
What is sexual orientation?
The direction of one's sexual/romantic interest (heterosexual, homosexual, or bisexual).
38
What theory explains how gender-nonconforming behavior might relate to later attraction?
The "Exotic Becomes Erotic" theory (Daryl Bem).
39
Is sexual orientation determined solely by genetics?
No, it's influenced by genetic, hormonal, environmental, and social factors.
40
How does prenatal hormonal exposure influence sexual orientation?
Ex: female fetuses exposed to higher levels of testosterone may show tendencies toward male-typical behavior patterns -> could influence sexual preference later on
41
What is achievement motivation?
The drive to pursue and attain challenging goals, especially in situations that require effort and persistence.
42
True or false: Achievement motivation can stem from a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic sources
T
43
What is Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)? What is it used for?
A psychological tool that involves interpreting images and constructing stories around them. The answers to these stories helped McClelland categorize students into 2 groups: those with high achievement motivation and those with low achievement motivation.
44
What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation?
Extrinsic = external rewards - ex: money, praise Intrinsic = internal satisfaction - mastery of a skill or internal goals
45
What’s the difference between performance goals and learning goals?
Performance goals = focus on outcomes Learning goals = focus on skill mastery and personal growth
46
How can parents and teachers play a key role in shaping achievement motivation in children?
When they provide encouragement, praise effort, and expose children to stimulating experiences, they help children develop a growth mindset and set high standards for themselves.
47
What’s the difference between emotions and feelings?
Emotions are automatic reactions Feelings are the conscious experience of those emotions
48
What are display rules?
Culturally learned rules about when and how emotions should be expressed.
49
What are the universal emotions?
Emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, and disgust are universal with consistent facial expressions across cultures.
50
What are mirror neurons responsible for?
Empathy and mimicking others' emotional expressions.
51
What is positive psychology?
The field of psychology that is about personal well-being and satisfaction; joy, sensual pleasure, and happiness; and optimism and hope for the future
52
What is the facial-feedback hypothesis?
Facial expressions can influence emotional experiences. Ex: forcing oneself to smile can improve mood, and frowning can make things seem more unpleasant.
53
What are the theories of emotion?
1. Commonsense Theory 2. James–Lange Theory 3. Cannon–Bard Theory 4. Schachter–Singer (Two-Factor) Theory 5. Cognitive Appraisal Theory (Lazarus, Bower, etc.)
54
What is the commonsense theory?
Process: 1) A situation occurs. 2) The person interprets (cognitively appraises) the situation. 3) The emotional response follows, leading to behavior. Ex: Alan in The Hangover sees a tiger → He slowly realizes it’s dangerous → He experiences fear and reacts by running.
55
What does the James–Lange theory propose?
Emotions follow physiological responses. Process: 1) External stimulus triggers automatic physiological and behavioral responses. 2) The brain interprets these responses as emotions. 3) The conscious experience of emotion occurs. Ex: You see a bear → Your body starts running → You interpret this reaction as fear. Facial-Feedback Hypothesis (smiling to make yourself happy) supports this theory
56
What does the Cannon–Bard theory propose?
Emotions and arousal occur simultaneously but separately. Process: 1) An event occurs. 2) The brain (thalamus) processes the event. 3) The brain simultaneously sends signals to produce both physiological arousal and emotional experience. Ex: You see a bear → Your brain processes the situation → You feel fear and start running at the same time.
57
What does the Schachter–Singer (two-factor) theory say?
Emotions result from arousal + interpretation of that arousal. Process: 1) Arousal occurs due to an external stimulus. 2) The brain interprets the cause of the arousal based on situational cues. 3) The interpreted emotion is experienced. When people don’t know why they feel aroused, they look to the environment for clues about their emotions. We notice our heart beating and look around to determine why our heart is racing. If we see a bear, then we label the emotion as fear, run away, and report subjective feelings of fear.
58
What is the cognitive appraisal theory?
Emotions are based on how we evaluate (appraise) a situation. Process: 1) A situation occurs. 2) The brain appraises the meaning of the situation. 3) Emotion follows based on this appraisal. Ex: An employee receiving feedback might interpret it as constructive criticism and an opportunity to improve and feel motivated. Another might experience fear and view the same feedback as a personal attack, feeling defensive and upset. - Simply put, the first employee shows it in a positive light, hence expressing positive emotions in response to the situation.
59
Primary vs. secondary appraisal?
Primary Appraisal: The initial assessment of whether a situation is relevant, positive, or negative to one's well-being. - Ex: seeing a snake and immediately perceiving it as a threat is a primary appraisal. Secondary Appraisal: Evaluating one's ability to cope with the situation. Ex: if a person sees a snake, they might then evaluate their ability to escape or handle the situation

PSYC (9 decks)

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