Motivation and Emotion Flashcards
YERKES-DODSON LAW
An optimal level of psychological arousal helps performances. When arousal is too low, our minds
wander and we become bored. When arousal is too high, we become too anxious and “freeze-up.”
People are thus motivated to seek a moderate level of stimulation that is neither too easy nor too
hard.
HIEARARCHY OF NEEDS
Maslow’s theory that lower motives (such as physiological and safety needs) must be met before
advancing to higher needs (such as esteem and self-actualization).
ACHIEVEMENT MOTIVATION
The drive to succeed, especially in competition with others. Individuals who have a strong need for
achievement seek out tasks that are moderately difficult.
EXTRINSIC MOTIVATION
Based upon external rewards or threats of punishment. For example, James tutors other students
because he wants to earn money.
INTRINSIC MOTIVATION
Based upon personal enjoyment of a task or activity. For example, Robbie tutors other students
because he enjoys helping them.
DISPLAY RULES
Cultural norms that influence how and when emotional responses are displayed.
JAMES-LANGE THEORY
Our subjective experience of emotion follows our experience of physiological changes (“We feel
sorry because we cry”).
SCHACHTER-SINGER TWO-FACTOR THEORY
Physical arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal produce our subjective experience of
emotion.
STRESS
An emotional response to demands that are perceived as threatening or exceeding a person’s
resources or ability to cope.
CONFLICT
Occurs when a person is forced to choose between two or more opposing goals or desires. Conflict
can be classified as approach-approach, avoidance-avoidance, or approach-avoidance.
GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME
Hans Selye’s three-stage (alarm, resistance, exhaustion) reaction to chronic stress.
