Unit 3 Flashcards
What are the three main techniques for measuring motivation?
- Observable behavior
- Physiological responses
- Subjective states (self-reporting)
What are the four levels of analysis for motivation measurement?
- Physiological
- Individual
- Social
- Philosophical
How can motivation be inferred from observable behavior?
By analyzing how frequently a behavior occurs, how accurate it is, and the choices a person makes.
What are the key factors measured in observable behavior?
- Frequency – How often the behavior occurs.
- Accuracy – The number of successes vs. mistakes.
- Choice/Election – Preference for one option over another.
- Temporal factors – Response time, persistence, and effort.
What are the limitations of measuring motivation through observable behavior?
- Variability in response time (depends on the situation/person).
- Difficulty differentiating between success and errors.
What solutions can improve behavioral assessment?
- Providing clear instructions.
- Allowing practice trials before testing.
- Using designs where the subject serves as their own control.
What is the difference between physiological psychology and psychophysiology?
hysiological psychology (studies motivated behavior in animals).
* Psychophysiology (studies physiological responses in humans).
What are the main physiological measures used to assess motivation?
- Electrodermal activity (skin conductance).
- Cardiovascular activity (heart rate, blood flow, blood pressure).
What is electrodermal activity and how is it measured?
It measures the function of sweat glands in response to psychological or thermal stimuli.
What is the difference between exosomatic and endosomatic electrodermal activity?
- Exosomatic – Measured using an external electrical stimulus (e.g., galvanic skin response).
- Endosomatic – Measured without external electrical stimulus (spontaneous skin potentials).
What cardiovascular measures are used to assess motivation?
- Heart rate (measured in beats per minute).
- Blood flow (vasodilation or vasoconstriction).
- Blood pressure (systolic/diastolic pressure).
What are the limitations of physiological measures in motivation research?
- They are indirect measures of motivation.
- They can reflect multiple psychological processes.
- Their psychological significance can be unclear.
How can physiological motivation assessment be improved?
- Using multiple physiological measures together.
- Conducting continuous measurement over time.
What are subjective states in motivation assessment?
Internal experiences reported by individuals using self-reporting techniques.
What are the most common self-report techniques for motivation assessment?
- Interviews
- Questionnaires
- Self-records
- Self-observation
What are the three main purposes of self-reporting in motivation research?
- Identifying basic motives shared by all people.
- Analyzing how motivation changes with different situations.
- Predicting how different variables interact in motivation.
What are the limitations of using self-reports in motivation assessment?
- People may use different words for the same internal state.
- Social desirability bias (people may lie to appear better).
- Test format (question order or response format may influence answers).
How can self-report methods be improved?
- Adding lie detection or desirability scales.
- Using multiple tests for confirmation.
- Complementing with interviews.
Why is motivation assessment complex?
Because it involves multiple processes, including behavior, physiology, and subjective experience.
How can motivation assessment be made more reliable?
By combining observable behavior, physiological responses, and self-reports for a full analysis.
