Motivation Flashcards
(3 cards)
Distinguish among the different theoretical perspectives on motivation
Evolutionary Perspective: Suggests that motivation stems from instincts and genetically encoded behaviours that enhance survival and reproduction (e.g., smiling, caring for babies)
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Drive Theory: Proposes that physiological disruptions to homeostasis create internal drives (e.g., hunger, thirst), pushing organisms to act in ways that restore balance
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Behavioural Activation System (BAS) and Inhibition System (BIS):
BAS: Activates approach behaviour toward rewards (linked to hope and happiness).
BIS: Activates avoidance of punishment (linked to fear and anxiety)
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Cognitive Approaches: Emphasize goal-directed behaviour based on expectations and the value of outcomes. The expectancy × value theory explains motivation as a product of belief in success and how much one values the goal
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Psychodynamic Perspective: Highlights unconscious motives and the influence of early life experiences. Originally rooted in Freud’s ideas, later theorists expanded this to include self-esteem and social needs
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Humanistic Theories:
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Motivation progresses from basic survival needs to self-actualisation (fulfilling potential).
Self-Determination Theory (SDT): Focuses on three innate psychological needs—competence, autonomy, and relatedness—that, when fulfilled, enhance intrinsic motivation and well-being
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Describe how eating behaviours are regulated
Eating behaviour is influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors:
Biological Regulation:
Short-term signals include hormones like ghrelin (increases hunger) and CCK (promotes satiety).
Leptin, secreted by fat cells, helps regulate long-term energy balance and suppress appetite.
Brain regions such as the hypothalamus and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play central roles in hunger control
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Psychological Regulation:
Hunger is reinforced by the taste of food and the expectation of pleasure.
Attitudes, habits (like finishing your plate), and cultural ideals of body image affect food intake, especially in women
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Environmental Influences:
Portion size, variety, social context, and cultural norms all shape eating behaviour.
People often eat more in social settings and when presented with a variety of foods (e.g., buffets)
Distinguish between the two clusters of psychosocial motives, relatedness and agency needs
These are discussed within Self-Determination Theory (SDT):
Relatedness Needs: The need to form meaningful and caring social bonds. Examples include feeling connected to family, friends, or co-workers. This satisfies our human desire to belong and be valued by others
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Agency Needs (covered primarily under competence and autonomy in SDT):
Competence: The need to feel capable and effective in dealing with the environment.
Autonomy: The need to experience behaviour as self-endorsed and freely chosen, without external control
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Together, relatedness (social connection) and agency (personal effectiveness and independence) are fundamental to well-being and intrinsic motivation.
