chap 7 Flashcards
(50 cards)
The study of ________ in psychology is crucial to a full understanding of
behavior. In order to come to a complete appraisal on one’s behavior, we have to figure out WHY he acts as he does.
Why is he behaving in this way? A
satisfactory answer to this question will
reveal a lot about this person.
motivation
characteristics of motivation
instigated
directional
selective
homeostatic
Something sets off a behavioral sequence.
The instigator can either a deficit within the organism or some external object that triggers the behavior. To
understand a motive better, it is important to know the conditions that arouse it. § This does not imply, however, that the person is always aware of these arousal conditions and the motivation affected by it. Motives can be at work on a
subconscious level.
motivated behaviour is instigated
Once a motivated behavioral sequence has
been set off, the behavior carries a person
toward o away from something. It moves
toward what may satisfy the person, or
away from what is undesirable. It can be
said that motivated behavior leads to a
goal, i.e. it is always goal-directed.
motivated behavior is directional
A motivated individual is sensitive to
those parts of the world that have a
relevance to his needs. Depending on
the intensity of the need condition, he
becomes more sensitive to whatever may
be instrumental to satisfy this need, and
less sensitive to whatever does not meet
this need.
§ This aspect of motivated behavior
implies that such a behavior is adaptive
and flexible. It is in function of the
problem to be solved.
motivated behavior is selective
Originally, homeostasis was thought of as the
process of maintaining an internal physiological equilibrium. Certain mechanisms are built into the
body that tends to preserve a constant equilibrium. Ex. if the normal body temperature becomes
elevated, perspiration automatically occurs to lower
the temperature to normal; if the body temperature
is lowered, vasoconstriction in certain parts of the
body occurs, and the blood is redistributed, tending
to raise the temperature.
§ A similar phenomenon is observed in
motivated behavior: as long as the need is not
satisfied, the tension created by the need situation
will continue to energize the person. But once the
goal has been reached the behavior changes. The
restlessness ceases, at least for a while, and the
organism gives behavioral signs of satisfaction. It
can be said that motivated behavior is to a certain
degree homeostatic in nature.
motivated behavior is homeostatic
is the behavior triggered by a
frustration
frustration-instigated behavior
It is a process by which activities are started,
directed, and continued.
motivation
two kinds of motivation
extrinsic motivation
intrinsic motivation
The action itself is rewarding
– The action itself motivates the person
Intrinsic motivation
Action leads to outcome separate from
or external to the person
Extrinsic motivation
Approaches to Motivation
- Instinct approaches
2.Drive-reduction approaches
3.Arousal approaches - Incentive approaches
5.Humanistic approaches
–Biologically determined and innate
patterns of behavior
– Exist in both people and animals
instincs
Assumes people are governed by
instincts similar to those of animals
instinct approach
A NEED is a requirement for some
material that is important for survival
Drive-Reduction Approaches
Tendency for body to maintain a steady state
Homeostasis
Assumption: behavior arises from
physiological needs
Drive Reduction Theory
2 kinds of drives
Primary drives
Acquired (secondary) drives
Drives involving needs of the
body
primary drives
Drives learned
through experience or conditioning
Acquired (secondary) drives
McClelland proposed 3 psychological needs
Need for achievement (nAch)
Need for affiliation (nAff)
Need for power (nPow)
Involves a strong desire to succeed
in attaining goals
Need for achievement (nAch)
Need for friendly social interactions
Need for affiliation (nAff)
Need to have control or influence over
others
Need for power (nPow)
