Unit 6: Motivation Theories Flashcards
What are the different approaches in motivational psychology?
Biological, behavioural, cognitive
Which ones are the most relevant today?
The biological and cognitive however each have been predominant at some point
What do biological theories focus on?
On understanding the organic bases that underlie motivation and behaviour
Name some of the biological theories included
Evolutionary theories
- natural selection & theory of use and disuse
Ethological theories
- appetitive/ consummatory and Lorenz hydraulic model
Theories of homeostasis & regulation
- peripheral and central
Neurobiology
What is the natural selection theory ?
By Charles Darwin
Individuals with genetic characters that allow better interacting with environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing down to future generations
What is the theory of use and disuse
Body parts tender to be maintain and developed unless not used which then atrophy
Is is evolution or learning according to the evolutionary theory?
Recognise its both learning and genetics
What is ethology
Studies biological aspects of behaviour of individuals in their natural environment
Studies function and evolution of behaviour , animal studies
How is the instinctive behaviour in ethnologist studies divided?
2 phases related to a specific goal
Appetitive: approach where individual carries out actions to achieve goal
Consummatory: execution phase of specific behavioural pattern that materialise instinctively once goal achieved
What is Lorenz hydraulic model?
After obtaining and accumulating energy= probability behaviour increase
The more energy the lower the response threshold to stimulus
What is homeostasis
Dynamic balance that continually adjusts to adapt the internal and external change in organism environments
What are the two theories o intention of locating the function of homeostasis
Peripheral-> physical signs of the body, coming from organs
Central -> function of the brain of managing homeostasis and motivation
What is the neurobiological approach
Focuses on locating the biological substrate of homeostatic mechanisms and approach and avoidance motivational system
What is activation?
Process occurs in body when it need to carry out important activities
How does it your body lead up to activation?
Activation occurs when stimulus detected therefore needs to respond (motor activity), either do action or avoid it
What implication does activation have on physiological, cognitive and motor aspects?
Physiological-> excitation of neurons, active sympathetic system and certain glands or organs
Cognitive-> analyse significance of stimulus and lead to decision making
Motor-> when decision made, body prepares physically
What is the role of the reticular- cortical-formation?
The network of neuronal structures facilitates
- attention and activation
in response to external and internal stimuli
What is the role of the dorsolateral area of the frontal lobe?
Triggers series of neuronal processes that coordinate motor activation
What does thornfike suggest in relation to behavioural theories?
Consequences of a respond influence probability of repeated occurrence based on consequences
How is motivation defined
Force that act on an organism to imitate and direct its behaviour( internal/ external forces)
What is the impulse theory
Our behavior is driven by internal energy that arise from needs of the organism
This motivates us to seek ways to satisfy those needs and reduce drive
What was wood worth contribution to the impulse theory?
- magnitude of impulse(strength)
- dimensions of approach (situation and circumstance)
- Continuity or behaviour (until need satisfied)
What is the incentive according to the impulse theory
Goal objects that motivate our behavior and acts as guide us to them
Generators of energy, emotions and carriers of information
What is classical conditioning
Neutral stimuli can acquire potential character of motivation through association
Eg little albert
