l4 - Brunstein (2008) Flashcards
- What are implicit motives?
Implicit motives are unconscious, affect-based dispositions that drive behavior without conscious awareness. They develop through early experiences and guide behavior towards intrinsically rewarding activities.
- What are explicit motives?
Explicit motives are consciously accessible goals and self-attributed needs, often shaped by social norms, cultural expectations, and personal beliefs
What is the difference between implicit and explicit motives?
Implicit motives operate outside awareness and influence spontaneous, long-term behavioral tendencies, while explicit motives are consciously controlled, goal-oriented, and influenced by social expectations.
What types of motives are most commonly studied?
(3) Need for Achievement (nAch): Striving for excellence and success.
Need for Affiliation (nAff): Desire for social interactions and relationships.
Need for Power (nPow): Desire to influence and control others.
How are implicit and explicit motives assessed?
✅ Implicit motives → Measured using projective tests like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT).
✅ Explicit motives → Measured using self-report questionnaires where individuals consciously reflect on their motivational goals.
- Why is it important to distinguish between implicit and explicit motives?
➡ Because implicit motives predict long-term, spontaneous behavior, while explicit motives predict goal-directed actions that align with conscious intentions.
- Are implicit and explicit motives correlated?
Research shows weak or no correlation between implicit and explicit motives, suggesting that these two systems operate independently.
- What experimental evidence supports the independence of implicit and explicit motives?
Studies show that implicit motives predict spontaneous behavior (e.g., enjoyment of a task) while explicit motives predict deliberate, goal-driven actions.
- What is the key finding from McClelland et al. (1989) on motive independence?
Implicit and explicit motives are influenced by different neural systems:
Implicit motives → Linked to the dopaminergic reward system (automatic affective responses).
Explicit motives → Linked to prefrontal cortical processing (conscious decision-making).
How does the study box on p. 235 support motive independence?
A study found that individuals with high implicit achievement motivation enjoyed solving puzzles regardless of external rewards, while those with high explicit achievement motivation performed better only when they had specific goals and incentives.
What role does cognitive processing play in explicit motives?
Explicit motives require active reflection and evaluation and are often influenced by self-concept and social norms.
- What are the consequences of motive incongruence?
➡ When implicit and explicit motives do not align, individuals experience reduced well-being and goal satisfaction.
How are hormones linked to motivational states?
Hormones play a role in modulating implicit motives, affecting behaviors related to power, achievement, and affiliation.
What is the relationship between testosterone and motivation?
➡ Higher testosterone levels are associated with dominance and power-seeking behaviors, supporting the implicit need for power (nPow).
- How does cortisol relate to motivation?
➡ Cortisol levels rise in response to stressful social evaluations, particularly for individuals with a strong power motive.
. How is oxytocin linked to affiliation motives?
➡ Higher oxytocin levels are correlated with stronger affiliative tendencies, reinforcing the need for social bonding (nAff).
What is the impact of dopamine on implicit motives?
Dopamine regulates reward sensitivity and reinforces behaviors associated with implicit achievement motivation (nAch).
How do hormonal changes influence motivational behavior?
➡ Testosterone surges can increase competitiveness, cortisol elevations can lead to social withdrawal, and oxytocin spikes can enhance trust and social bonding.
