Motivation and emotion part 3 Flashcards
What is Motivation Measurement Techniques
Methods used to assess motivation at different levels: physiological, individual, social, and philosophical.
“Example”: “Using heart rate monitoring to assess stress-related motivation
What is Observable Behavior?
Motivation can be inferred from spontaneous behaviors that are publicly reported.”,
“Example”: “A student repeatedly raising their hand in class indicates motivation to participate
What is Frequency in (Observable Behavior)
Measures response rate, or how often a behavior occurs over time.”,
“Example”: “Tracking how many times a runner practices per week to measure commitment
What is Accuracy in (Observable Behavior)”
Measures success vs. failure rates in task performance.”, “Example”: “Recording how many free throws a basketball player makes out of 10 to measure skill improvement.”},
What is Election in (Observable Behavior)
Assessing preference by tracking free choice actions.”, “Example”: “A child choosing a healthy snack over candy may indicate health-conscious motivation.”},
What is Temporary Measures in (Observable Behavior)
Measures response time, persistence, and effort.”, “Example”: “Timing how quickly a person reacts to an alarm when tired.
What is the Limitations of Observable Behavior?
The Response times vary, and errors must be distinguished from deliberate choices.”, “Example”: “A student may take longer on a test due to careful thought rather than lack of motivation.”},
What are possible solutions to improve motivation assessment?
✔ Provide clear instructions
✔ Schedule practice/familiarization trials
✔ Use designs in which the subject is his or her own control.
Physiological psychology vs Psychophysiology
Physiological psychology: (Animals) What structures mediate motivated behavior.
Psychophysiology: (Humans) What physiological changes occur in the face of certain stimulating situations.
What is Physiological Responses
Measures bodily responses to assess motivation indirectly.”, “Example”: “Heart rate increases before public speaking due to nervousness
What is the difference between exosomatic and endosomatic electrodermal activity?
Exosomatic: Measurement of electrodermal activity with an applied electrical stimulus (e.g., galvanic skin response). Example: A lie detector test (polygraph) uses this method. If a person gets nervous, they sweat slightly, reducing skin resistance and increasing conductance.
Endosomatic: Measurement of electrodermal activity without an external electrical stimulus, based on spontaneous skin potentials. Endosomatic activity might indicate spontaneous emotional arousal in a resting state, such as when someone is subconsciously anxious or engaged.
What is Electrodermal Activity?
Measures sweat gland activity as an indicator of emotional or psychological stimulation.
“Example”: “A lie detector test measures electrodermal responses to detect stress-related deception
What is Cardiovascular Measures?
Monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow changes related to motivation.”,
“Example”: “A person’s heart rate spikes before a competition, showing excitement or anxiety.
What are the cardiovascular measures used in physiological assessment of motivation?
✔ Heart rate: Number of cardiac contractions/minute (ECG), varies with respiratory cycle.
✔ Blood flow: Dilation/contraction of blood vessels.
The movement of blood through your blood vessels.
Controlled By:
Vasodilation: Blood vessels expand, increasing blood flow (e.g., when exercising or feeling warm).
Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels contract, decreasing blood flow (e.g., in cold environments or high stress).
✔ Blood pressure: Diastolic/systolic readings.
The force of blood against your artery walls, measured in mmHg.
Two Types:
Systolic Pressure (top number): Pressure when the heart contracts.
Diastolic Pressure (bottom number): Pressure when the heart relaxes.
What is the Limitations of Physiological Measures.
Indirect and can be influenced by multiple psychological processes.”, “Example”: “Increased heart rate might indicate fear or excitement, making interpretation difficult
What is Self-Report (Subjective States)
Standardized methods where individuals describe their own motivation.”,
“Example”: “A survey asking employees how motivated they feel at work
What are the three main study purposes in motivation assessment?
Understanding the nature and characteristics of motivation.
Explanation: Identifying causes and mechanisms of motivated behavior.
Prediction: Forecasting how motivation affects future behaviors.
What is the Limitations of Self-Report?
Can be biased, as people may report what they think is expected.”, “Example”: “A student might say they are motivated to study but may not actually be putting in effort
What are the limitations of self-reported motivation measures?
✔ Limited validity as indicators of internal states.
✔ An individual may use different names to describe the same internal state.
✔ Different individuals may use different names for the same state.
✔ Social desirability and self-deception distort responses.
✔ Test characteristics (response format, order of presentation, etc.) affect results
What are possible solutions to improve the validity of self-reported motivation measures?
✅ Inclusion of Lie/Desirability Scales
➡️ Example: Adding unrealistic statements like “I have never felt unmotivated” to detect bias.
✅ Use of Complementary Tests
➡️ Example: Combining self-reports with reaction time tests for anxiety-related motivation.
✅ Complement with an Interview
➡️ Example: Conducting one-on-one interviews alongside surveys to gain deeper insights.
