Unit 1 Flashcards
- What is motivation?
Motivation is the desire for change in oneself or the environment.
How is motivation studied?
Motivation is studied using empirical research, not just opinions or common sense.
Why do we need theories in motivation?
Theories help explain why behavior occurs and organize knowledge into observable relationships.
What are the two fundamental questions in motivation?
- What causes behavior?
- Why does behavior vary in intensity?
Why is self-esteem not a cause of motivation?
Self-esteem is a result of success, not a cause of it.
How can rewards negatively impact motivation?
If rewards are removed, a person may lose motivation for an activity they previously enjoyed.
What are the three key factors that drive behavior?
- Energy – Strength and resilience of behavior.
- Direction – Goal-oriented behavior.
- Persistence – Endurance over time.
What are the three internal motives in motivation?
- Needs (Physiological & Psychological).
- Cognitions (Thoughts, beliefs, and goals).
- Emotions (Reactions that guide behavior).
How do external events influence motivation?
External factors such as rewards, social expectations, and cultural influences shape motivation.
What are the five ways to measure motivation?
- Behavior
- Engagement
- Psychophysiology
- Brain activation
- Self-report
What are the four types of engagement?
- Behavioral Engagement – Effort and persistence.
- Emotional Engagement – Interest and enjoyment.
- Cognitive Engagement – Learning strategies.
- Agentic Engagement – Taking initiative.
What is psychophysiology?
The study of how psychological states (motivation, emotion) affect physiological responses like heart rate and hormone levels.
What is an example of a physiological response to motivation?
Increased heart rate before a competition due to motivation and anticipation.
How does the brain play a role in motivation?
Different brain areas are activated depending on motivation, such as the dopamine system for reward-based motivation.
What are the advantages of self-report methods in motivation research?
✔️ Easy to administer to large groups.
✔️ Direct assessment of personal experiences.
What are the limitations of self-report methods in motivation research?
❌ May not match actual behavior.
❌ People might report motivation differently than they actually experience it.
What is an example of a self-report limitation?
A person might say they are highly motivated but show little effort in their tasks.
What are the key takeaways from motivation research?
- Motivation is a desire for change.
- It is studied using scientific methods.
- Internal & external factors influence behavior.
- Motivation can be measured through behavior, engagement, physiology, and self-report.
What is the role of incentives in motivation?
Incentives can boost motivation but may also undermine intrinsic motivation if overused.
What is intrinsic motivation?
Motivation that comes from within, such as personal enjoyment or satisfaction.
What is extrinsic motivation?
Motivation driven by external rewards or pressures, like money or social approval.
What is the relationship between motivation and emotions?
Emotions help direct and energize behavior by preparing a person to respond to challenges or opportunities.
How do social contexts influence motivation?
Social environments like school, work, or parenting styles can impact motivation positively or negatively.
What are primary and secondary needs in motivation?
- Primary needs – Physiological (food, sleep).
- Secondary needs – Psychological and social (belonging, achievement).
What is an example of a cognitive factor affecting motivation?
Setting a goal to read more books because you believe it will make you smarter.
What is agentic engagement?
When a person actively contributes and takes initiative in a learning or work setting.
How can motivation be observed in behavior?
Through effort, persistence, and goal-directed actions.
What is an example of emotional engagement?
Feeling excited and interested while working on a challenging project.
What is the importance of persistence in motivation?
Persistence allows people to continue working towards a goal despite obstacles or failures.
What is the main goal of motivation research?
To understand what drives behavior and how it varies in intensity.
