🧠MCAT Behavioral Sciences Review - 5 Flashcards
(123 cards)
1
Q
What is the driving force behind our actions called?
A
Motivation.
2
Q
What are the two types of motivation based on their sources?
A
- Extrinsic motivation
- Intrinsic motivation
3
Q
Fill in the blank: The term ‘motivation’ derives from the Latin word _______.
A
movere
4
Q
Which type of motivation involves external rewards or punishments?
A
Extrinsic motivation.
5
Q
Which type of motivation is driven by personal gratification?
A
Intrinsic motivation.
6
Q
What is the primary focus of instinct theory?
A
Innate, fixed patterns of behavior.
7
Q
Which theory of motivation is significantly informed by Darwin’s theory of evolution?
A
Instinct theory.
8
Q
According to arousal theory, what do people seek to maintain?
A
An optimal level of arousal.
9
Q
What does the Yerkes-Dodson law describe?
A
The relationship between arousal and performance.
10
Q
True or False: Performance is optimal at extremely high and low levels of arousal.
A
False.
11
Q
What are the three components involved in experiencing emotion?
A
- Physiological
- Cognitive
- Behavioral
12
Q
Fill in the blank: The theory that suggests simultaneous processing of conscious emotions and physiological activation is the _______ theory.
A
Cannon–Bard
13
Q
Which brain region is primarily responsible for the experience of emotions?
A
Amygdala.
14
Q
What type of stress is associated with positive feelings or outcomes?
A
Eustress.
15
Q
What stage of stress response is characterized by an immediate reaction to a stressor?
A
Alarm.
16
Q
Which type of conflict is associated with the least amount of stress?
A
Approach–approach conflict.
17
Q
Fill in the blank: The theory that explains the need to reduce an uncomfortable internal state is called _______.
A
Drive reduction theory.
18
Q
What does the term ‘homeostasis’ refer to in the context of motivation?
A
The state of balance or stability in physiological systems.
19
Q
Which motivational theory focuses on satisfying physiological and psychological needs?
A
Need-based theories.
20
Q
True or False: A person with high left frontal lobe activity is most likely experiencing sadness.
A
False.
21
Q
What is the adaptive role of emotion in human behavior?
A
To enhance survival by influencing decision-making and social interactions.
22
Q
Which type of stress results from daily inconveniences?
A
Hassle.
23
Q
Fill in the blank: The emotional response that occurs after evaluating a stressor is part of _______ appraisal.
A
Secondary
24
Q
What is the Yerkes-Dodson Law?
A
It states that optimal performance occurs at a moderate level of arousal, while both low and high arousal can impair performance.
This law illustrates the relationship between arousal and performance, indicating that too little or too much arousal can hinder effectiveness.
25
What is Drive Reduction Theory?
It posits that drives are internal states of tension that activate behaviors focused on goals to eliminate discomfort and achieve homeostasis.
## Footnote
Drives can be primary (e.g., hunger, thirst) or secondary (e.g., desire for achievement) and motivate behaviors to alleviate internal tension.
26
Define homeostasis.
The regulation of the internal environment to maintain optimal, stable conditions.
## Footnote
Homeostasis involves negative feedback loops that help restore balance when external factors disrupt internal stability.
27
What is a negative feedback loop?
A process that counteracts a change in a system to maintain stability.
## Footnote
An example is a thermostat regulating temperature by turning the heater on or off based on the ambient temperature.
28
What hormones are involved in the hunger drive?
Ghrelin and leptin.
## Footnote
Ghrelin stimulates hunger, while leptin signals satiety, creating a complex feedback system in hunger regulation.
29
What are primary drives?
Drives that motivate us to sustain necessary biological processes.
## Footnote
Examples include the need for food, water, and warmth.
30
What are secondary drives?
Drives that motivate us to fulfill nonbiological, emotional, or learned desires.
## Footnote
Examples include the desire for love, achievement, and social belonging.
31
What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs?
A pyramid that classifies human needs into five levels of priority: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
## Footnote
According to Maslow, lower needs must be met before higher-level needs can influence motivation.
32
What are the three universal needs in self-determination theory?
Autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
## Footnote
These needs must be met to develop healthy relationships with oneself and others.
33
What does incentive theory state?
Behavior is motivated by the desire to pursue rewards and avoid punishments rather than by need or arousal.
## Footnote
This theory emphasizes external factors influencing behavior.
34
What is expectancy-value theory?
It states that the amount of motivation needed to reach a goal is determined by the individual's expectation of success and the value they place on success.
## Footnote
This theory combines psychological expectations with the subjective importance of goals.
35
What is opponent-process theory?
A theory explaining that the body counteracts the effects of repeated drug use, leading to withdrawal symptoms that are opposite to the drug's effects.
## Footnote
This mechanism can create physical dependence and explain tolerance.
36
What is the impact of cultural and demographic factors on drug use?
Young adults and disadvantaged socioeconomic groups are more likely to use drugs, with variations in smoking rates observed globally.
## Footnote
Cultural norms can influence both the prevalence and types of substances used.
37
True or False: Intrinsic motivation decreases when extrinsic rewards are introduced.
True.
## Footnote
Studies show that providing extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, leading to decreased engagement when the rewards are removed.
38
Fill in the blank: The drive to matriculate into medical school is an example of a _______.
secondary drive.
## Footnote
This drive stems from learned motivations rather than basic biological needs.
39
What difference might explain the observed difference in the no-compensation group between low and medium SES?
The low SES group had food insecurity
## Footnote
This suggests that motivation to obtain food is prioritized over reducing the risk of heart disease.
40
Who reported findings on sexual behavior in 1948?
Alfred Kinsey
## Footnote
Kinsey's work involved interviews with a diverse range of sociocultural backgrounds.
41
What did William Masters and Virginia Johnson study?
Sexual motivation through physiological measurement of sexual arousal
## Footnote
Their study revealed that men and women have similar physical responses to sexual arousal.
42
What hormones are associated with sexual motivation?
Estrogens, progesterone, and androgens
## Footnote
There is a strong correlation between hormone concentration and sexual desire.
43
What biological factor besides hormones affects sexual motivation?
Smell
## Footnote
Certain odors can increase sexual desire and activity.
44
What role does pleasure play in sexual motivation?
Pleasure and its interpretation are key players influenced by culture
## Footnote
Cultural norms shape what is considered pleasurable and appropriate sexual behavior.
45
What did a study measuring physiological arousal based on sexually explicit videos find?
Men and women experienced the same levels of arousal
## Footnote
However, women often reported feelings of disgust or being unaroused during subjective interviews.
46
What influences the desire for sexual interaction?
Culture and society
## Footnote
Cultural conditioning affects perceptions of appropriate sexual behavior.
47
Fill in the blank: Maslow's hierarchy of needs is listed in _______.
Decreasing priority
## Footnote
The hierarchy ranks needs from physiological to self-actualization.
48
What are the factors for motivation according to instinct theory?
Innate biological instincts
## Footnote
This theory suggests motivation is driven by instinctual behaviors.
49
What is the factor for motivation in arousal theory?
Optimal arousal levels
## Footnote
Motivation is influenced by the need to maintain an optimal level of arousal.
50
What is the focus of drive reduction theory regarding motivation?
Reduction of physiological drives
## Footnote
This theory posits that motivation arises to satisfy biological needs.
51
What do need-based theories emphasize as a source of motivation?
Satisfaction of basic needs
## Footnote
These theories prioritize fulfilling essential human needs.
52
According to opponent-process theory, what clinical features would be expected with withdrawal from cocaine use?
Withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety and depression
## Footnote
This theory suggests that withdrawal symptoms contrast with the initial euphoric effects of the substance.
53
What are the three elements of emotion?
Psychological response, behavioral response, cognitive response
## Footnote
These elements encompass how emotions are experienced and expressed.
54
List the seven universal facially expressed emotions.
* Happiness
* Sadness
* Contempt
* Surprise
* Fear
* Disgust
* Anger
## Footnote
These emotions are recognized across different cultures.
55
What does the physiological response to emotion include?
Changes in heart rate, breathing rate, skin temperature, and blood pressure
## Footnote
These changes are often associated with specific emotions like fear and aggression.
56
True or False: The behavioral component of emotion includes facial expressions and body language.
True
## Footnote
Examples include smiling for happiness and frowning for sadness.
57
In the context of emotions, what is the cognitive response?
The subjective interpretation of the feeling being experienced
## Footnote
This involves evaluating past experiences and the perceived cause of the emotion.
58
Who argued that emotions and their expressions are universal due to evolution?
Charles Darwin
## Footnote
He suggested that all humans have evolved the same set of facial muscles for expressing emotions.
59
What does the James–Lange theory of emotion propose?
A stimulus leads to physiological arousal, which is then labeled as an emotion
## Footnote
This theory suggests that emotions are a result of physiological responses.
60
What is the main assertion of the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion?
Physiological arousal and conscious emotion occur simultaneously
## Footnote
This theory emphasizes that emotion and arousal happen at the same time.
61
Fill in the blank: The Schachter–Singer theory states that two factors are needed to experience emotion: physiological arousal and _______.
cognitive label
## Footnote
This theory highlights the importance of cognitive appraisal in emotional experiences.
62
What role does the amygdala play in emotion?
It signals the cortex about stimuli related to attention and emotions
## Footnote
The amygdala is crucial for processing fear and interpreting facial expressions.
63
What functions does the hypothalamus serve in relation to emotion?
Synthesizes and releases neurotransmitters, modulates emotion, and controls arousal
## Footnote
It plays a key role in regulating emotional states.
64
What is the difference between explicit and implicit memory regarding emotional experiences?
Explicit memory is conscious recollection of an emotion, while implicit memory stores the actual feelings associated with an event
## Footnote
This distinction is important for understanding how emotions are recalled.
65
True or False: The thalamus only processes visual stimuli related to emotions.
False
## Footnote
The thalamus acts as a sensory processing station for multiple types of stimuli.
66
What is the significance of the vagus nerve in emotional processing?
It functions as a feedback system conveying information from peripheral organs to the central nervous system
## Footnote
This aspect is a critique of the Cannon-Bard theory.
67
How does the environment affect emotional experiences according to the Schachter-Singer theory?
The environment and cognitive processing influence the emotion experienced
## Footnote
Subjects attribute physiological arousal to the surrounding context.
68
What is the role of the hippocampus in emotional memory?
Involved in creating long-term memories and contextualizing emotional experiences
## Footnote
It plays a key role in storing and retrieving emotional memories.
69
Fill in the blank: According to the James–Lange theory, the first response to a stimulus is _______.
nervous system arousal
## Footnote
This is followed by the conscious labeling of the emotion.
70
List the components of the limbic system.
* Amygdala
* Thalamus
* Hypothalamus
* Hippocampus
* Fornix
* Septal nuclei
* Parts of the cerebral cortex
## Footnote
The limbic system plays a significant role in emotion and motivation.
71
What is the primary function of the temporal lobe in emotional processing?
The ability to distinguish and interpret others' facial expressions
## Footnote
The temporal lobe, with some input from the occipital lobe, is primarily responsible for recognizing facial expressions.
72
Which hemisphere of the brain is more active when discerning facial expressions?
The right hemisphere
## Footnote
This function is lateralized, with the right hemisphere being more active than the left.
73
How do gender differences affect emotional processing in the brain?
Women demonstrate more activation of brain areas associated with emotional processing than men
## Footnote
This difference indicates variations in emotional recognition and processing.
74
What is the role of the prefrontal cortex?
Associated with planning, expressing personality, and making decisions
## Footnote
It also coordinates arousal and cognitive states.
75
Which part of the prefrontal cortex is associated with positive emotions?
Left prefrontal cortex
## Footnote
The right prefrontal cortex is associated with negative emotions.
76
What is the function of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex?
Plays a substantial role in decision making and controlling emotional responses from the amygdala
## Footnote
It connects with regions responsible for experiencing emotion.
77
What was the outcome of Phineas Gage's accident?
His personality was dramatically altered, displaying irritable and impatient behavior
## Footnote
Despite the accident, his memory, speech, and motor skills were unaffected.
78
What are the physiological reactions associated with emotion?
Skin temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure
## Footnote
Different emotions trigger specific physiological responses.
79
What is the difference between distress and eustress?
Distress is perceived as unpleasant, while eustress is positively perceived
## Footnote
Eustress can include events like graduating or getting married.
80
What are the three stages of general adaptation syndrome?
1. Alarm
2. Resistance
3. Exhaustion
## Footnote
These stages describe the body's response to stress.
81
What is primary appraisal in the context of stress?
The initial evaluation of the environment and associated threat
## Footnote
It can identify situations as irrelevant, benign-positive, or stressful.
82
What is secondary appraisal in stress evaluation?
Evaluation of whether the organism can cope with the stress
## Footnote
It involves assessing harm, threat, and challenge.
83
List common stressors.
* Environmental factors
* Daily events
* Workplace or academic setting
* Social expectations
* Chemical and biological stressors
## Footnote
These can vary greatly in severity and impact.
84
What physiological changes occur during the alarm stage of stress response?
Activation of the sympathetic nervous system and secretion of hormones like cortisol
## Footnote
This prepares the body for a 'fight-or-flight' response.
85
What are some emotional responses to elevated stress?
* Irritability
* Moodiness
* Tension
* Fearfulness
* Helplessness
## Footnote
These responses can impact mental health significantly.
86
What is an adaptive coping strategy?
Reaching out to a loved one for help
## Footnote
This strategy helps to reduce stress in a healthy manner.
87
What role does exercise play in stress management?
Improves health and well-being, enhances mood by releasing endorphins
## Footnote
Regular physical activity is a powerful stress management tool.
88
What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?
Emotions result from physiological reactions to events
## Footnote
This theory posits that we feel emotions after our body responds.
89
What is the Cannon-Bard theory of emotion?
Emotions and physiological reactions occur simultaneously
## Footnote
This theory challenges the notion that physiological response precedes emotion.
90
What is the Schachter-Singer theory of emotion?
Emotion is based on physiological arousal and cognitive labeling of that arousal
## Footnote
This theory suggests that context influences emotional experience.
91
What are the seven universal emotions?
* Happiness
* Sadness
* Fear
* Anger
* Surprise
* Disgust
* Contempt
## Footnote
These emotions are recognized across different cultures.
92
What is motivation?
The purpose, or driving force, behind our actions
## Footnote
Motivation can be extrinsic or intrinsic
93
What are the two types of motivation?
* Extrinsic: based on external circumstances
* Intrinsic: based on internal drive or perception
94
What are the primary factors that influence emotion?
* Instincts
* Arousal
* Drives
* Needs
95
Define instincts in the context of motivation theory.
Innate, fixed patterns of behavior that are evolutionarily programmed
96
What does the arousal theory of motivation state?
People perform actions to maintain arousal at an optimal level
97
Explain the Yerkes-Dodson law.
Performance is optimal at a medium level of arousal
98
What are primary drives?
Internal states of tension related to bodily processes
99
What is drive reduction theory?
Motivation arises from the desire to eliminate drives that create uncomfortable internal states
100
List the five categories of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
* Physiological needs
* Safety and security
* Love and belonging
* Self-esteem
* Self-actualization
101
What are the three universal needs emphasized by self-determination theory?
* Autonomy
* Competence
* Relatedness
102
What does incentive theory explain?
Motivation as the desire to pursue rewards and avoid punishments
103
What is expectancy-value theory?
Motivation for a task is based on the expectation of success and the value of that success
104
What does opponent-process theory explain in relation to drug use?
As drug use increases, the body counteracts effects, leading to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms
105
What influences sexual motivation?
Hormones as well as cultural and social factors
106
Define emotion.
A state of mind or feeling subjectively experienced based on circumstances, mood, and relationships
107
What are the three components of emotion?
* Cognitive (subjective)
* Behavioral (facial expressions and body language)
* Physiological (changes in the autonomic nervous system)
108
List the seven universal emotions.
* Happiness
* Sadness
* Contempt
* Surprise
* Fear
* Disgust
* Anger
109
What is the James-Lange theory of emotion?
Nervous system arousal leads to an emotional experience
110
Explain Cannon-Bard theory.
Arousal of the nervous system and the experience of emotion occur simultaneously
111
What is the Schachter-Singer theory?
Nervous system arousal combined with cognition creates the experience of emotion
112
What role does the limbic system play in emotion?
It is the primary nervous system component involved in experiencing emotion
113
What is the function of the amygdala?
Involved with attention and fear, helps interpret facial expressions, and plays a role in emotional memory
114
What does the thalamus do?
Acts as a sensory processing station
115
What is the role of the hypothalamus?
Releases neurotransmitters that affect mood and arousal
116
What does the hippocampus do?
Creates long-term explicit (episodic) memories
117
What is the function of the prefrontal cortex?
Involved with planning, expressing personality, and making decisions
118
Define stress.
The physiological and cognitive response to challenges or life changes
119
What are the two stages of stress appraisal?
* Primary appraisal: classifying a potential stressor
* Secondary appraisal: evaluating coping ability
120
What is a stressor?
Anything that leads to a stress response
121
What are the three stages of general adaptation syndrome?
* Alarm
* Resistance
* Exhaustion
122
What are common stressors?
* Environment
* Daily events
* Workplace or academic settings
* Social expectations
* Chemicals
* Biological stressors
123
What are effective stress management techniques?
* Exercise
* Relaxation techniques (meditation, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation)
* Spiritual practice
