motivation Flashcards
(10 cards)
Describe the five functions of motivational concepts
Motivation relates biology to behavior
– It explains how internal biological states (like hunger or thirst) trigger behaviors aimed at satisfying those needs.
Motivation accounts for behavioral variability
– It helps explain why people behave differently in similar situations or why the same person behaves differently at different times.
Motivation infers private states from public acts
– Observing behavior allows psychologists to infer internal states or desires (e.g., someone skipping meals may indicate dieting or financial stress).
Motivation assigns responsibility for actions
– Understanding motivation helps determine whether actions were intentional, which is important in moral and legal contexts.
Motivation explains perseverance despite adversity
– It accounts for why individuals continue pursuing goals even when faced with obstacles or setbacks.
Explain the various sources of motivation, including instinctual, emotional, and cognitive
sources
Instinctual – Innate drives (e.g., survival, reproduction) that push behavior.
Emotional – Feelings like fear, joy, or love influence actions.
Cognitive – Thoughts, expectations, and goals guide behavior.
Communicate the difference between William James’ and Sigmund Freud’s conception on
instinctual behaviors
William James saw instincts as inborn, purposeful behaviors that help humans adapt to their environment (e.g., fear, curiosity). He emphasized their positive, functional role.
Sigmund Freud viewed instincts as unconscious drives, especially related to sexual and aggressive urges. He believed these instincts often conflicted with societal rules and were repressed.
Describe social learning theory and its relationship to internal and external sources of
attributions
Social learning theory (Bandura) explains how people learn behavior by observing others, imitating models, and experiencing rewards or punishments.
It relates to attributions (how people explain behavior) like this:
Internal attributions: Behavior is due to personal traits (e.g., “He’s helpful”).
External attributions: Behavior is due to the situation (e.g., “She helped because someone was watching”).
Identify the two major eating disorders
Anorexia nervosa – Characterized by extreme food restriction, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
Bulimia nervosa – Involves cycles of binge eating followed by purging (e.g., vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxatives).
Explain the different reproductive strategies that may be employed by males and female
Males often adopt a strategy of maximizing the number of offspring by seeking multiple partners, since their biological investment (sperm) is low.
Females typically focus on selecting high-quality mates and investing in offspring, due to higher biological costs (pregnancy, childbirth, care).
Describe the four phases of human sexual response for males and females
Excitement – Sexual arousal begins; physical changes like increased heart rate and blood flow to genital areas occur.
Plateau – Arousal intensifies, muscles tense, breathing quickens, and sexual sensations build up.
Orgasm – Peak of sexual pleasure, with rhythmic muscle contractions and release of sexual tension.
Resolution – Body returns to normal state; relaxation follows. Males usually have a refractory period before another erection is possible, while females may be able to have multiple orgasms.
Show an understanding of the concept of need for achievement and discuss how it relates
to motivation
The need for achievement is a desire to accomplish challenging goals, excel, and succeed. People high in this need are motivated to take on tasks where success depends on their effort and skills, not just luck. This need drives persistence, goal-setting, and striving for excellence, making it a powerful source of motivation.
Describe the concept of locus of control and its relationship to motivation
Locus of control refers to whether people believe they control their own outcomes (internal locus) or that external forces (luck, fate, others) control them (external locus).
Those with an internal locus of control tend to be more motivated because they believe their efforts influence results. Those with an external locus may feel less motivated, thinking outcomes are beyond their control.
Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Physiological needs (food, water, sleep)
Safety needs (security, stability)
Love and belonging (friendship, relationships)
Esteem needs (respect, achievement)
Self-actualization (realizing personal potential and growth)
People are motivated to fulfill lower-level needs before moving to higher-level ones.
