Unit 4️⃣ Flashcards
What is a need, and why is it important?
A need is a condition necessary for life, development, and well-being. Meeting needs ensures well-being, while neglecting them can cause physical or psychological harm. Needs drive motivation to act before damage occurs.
What are the three types of needs, and how do they differ?
- Physiological needs – Basic survival needs like thirst, hunger, sleep, and sex.
- Psychological needs – Growth-related needs like autonomy, competence, and affinity.
- Social needs – Learned needs like achievement, intimacy, and power, influenced by social experiences.
How do physiological, psychological, and social needs arise and function?
• Physiological needs arise naturally in everyone and are temporarily forgotten when satisfied.
• Psychological needs are always present and become prominent when they can be fulfilled.
• Social needs are shaped by the environment and influence identity, beliefs, and relationships.
What is Clark Hull’s Drive Theory?
Drive Theory states that physiological deprivations (lack of water, food, or sleep) create biological needs. If unmet, these needs develop into psychological drives that push behavior toward satisfying them.
What is the Need-Drive-Behavior sequence?
It is a cycle where:
1. A physiological need arises (e.g., hunger).
2. This triggers a drive (urge to eat).
3. Behavior is initiated to fulfill the need (eating food).
4. Once satisfied, the drive diminishes.
What are intraorganismic and extraorganismic mechanisms?
• Intraorganismic mechanisms – Biological systems (brain, hormones, organs) that regulate needs.
• Extraorganismic mechanisms – Environmental, cognitive, and social influences that affect motivation.
What is homeostasis, and how does it regulate behavior?
Homeostasis is the body’s ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes. It regulates behaviors like eating and drinking by triggering needs when imbalances occur.
How does food deprivation affect the body and behavior?
It creates a physiological need, leading to hunger. This generates motivation to eat, and once the body receives food, the need diminishes, restoring homeostasis.
What is thirst, and what factors influence it?
Thirst is the body’s self-regulatory mechanism to maintain fluid balance for metabolic functions. Factors affecting it include taste, environmental stimuli, and learned behaviors.
How does taste influence drinking behavior?
Pure water has no taste, so its incentive value is low. Adding flavor increases drinking behavior, even if the body does not need hydration.
What are the three reasons people drink?
- Thirst-related water replenishment – Fulfilling a physiological need.
- Non-thirst-related sweet taste – Drinking flavored beverages for pleasure.
- Substance addiction – Drinking due to dependency on an ingredient (e.g., caffeine).
Is the “8 glasses of water per day” rule scientifically valid?
No, studies show no evidence supporting this. Water intake varies based on diet, activity, and individual needs, with food providing about 20% of total water intake.
What brain structures regulate hunger?
• Lateral hypothalamus – Promotes hunger and food intake.
• Ventromedial hypothalamus – Signals satiety and stops eating.
What external factors influence food intake?
Hunger is influenced by food smell, taste, variety, availability, and social settings, often leading people to eat even when not hungry.
What are the different models of hunger regulation?
- Short-term physiological model – The glycostatic hypothesis explains how blood sugar levels regulate hunger.
- Long-term physiological model – The lipostatic hypothesis states that fat stores regulate hunger.
- Cognitive-social-environmental model – Factors like culture, food variety, and personal habits influence eating behavior.
Why do diets often fail?
Diets rely on cognitive control instead of physiological hunger signals. Since cognitive control lacks a feedback system, it is easily disrupted, leading to binge eating.
What are two key reasons for binge eating?
- Underestimating biological drives – People think willpower can override hunger, but extreme deprivation intensifies cravings.
- External & emotional disruptions – Stress, social settings, or alcohol can weaken cognitive restraint, leading to binge eating.
Q: What is intuitive eating, and how does it differ from restrictive diets?
A: Intuitive eating involves responding to natural hunger and fullness cues rather than following rigid dietary rules. It encourages a healthier relationship with food.
- External & emotional disruptions – Stress, social settings, or alcohol can weaken cognitive restraint, leading to binge eating.
Why is sleep considered a primary motivational system?
Sleep is essential for survival and regulated by homeostasis. Without it, cognitive and physical functions deteriorate, leading to serious health issues.
What are common factors that affect sleep quality?
Sleep is influenced by diet, medications, mental health, stress, and emotional states.
What are some effective sleep hygiene strategies?
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bed.
• Keep a comfortable sleep environment (dark, quiet, cool).
• Reserve the bed for sleep and intimacy only.
How does human sexual behavior differ from other species?
Unlike most species, human sexual behavior is not solely tied to reproduction. It is influenced by personal experiences, cultural norms, and situational factors.
What factors influence human sexual behavior?
While hormones play a role, behavior is also shaped by values, previous experiences, and social influences.
What are the universal signs of physical attractiveness?
• Women – Large eyes, small nose and chin, high cheekbones, and expressive smiles.
• Men – Thick eyebrows, strong chin, and wide smiles.
What does research say about sexual orientation?
Sexual orientation exists on a spectrum and is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. It is not a conscious choice and is not caused by parental influence or early same-sex encounters.
Why do people struggle with self-regulation of physiological needs?
- Underestimating biological drives – People think they can control hunger, sleep, or thirst, but these needs intensify if ignored.
- Unrealistic standards – Setting strict or extreme goals leads to failure.
What are the keys to successful self-regulation?
• Set realistic goals.
• Focus on long-term balance.
• Regularly monitor behaviors and make adjustments.
