Motivation Flashcards
motivation
is the purpose, or driving force, behind our actions; it can be extrinsic, based on external circumstances; or intrinsic, based on internal drive or perception.
what are the primary factors that influence emotion
instincts, arousal, drives, and needs
instincts
these are innate, fixed patterns of behavior in response to stimuli. in the instinct theory of motivation, people perform certain behaviors because of these evolutionarily programmed instincts
the arousal theory
here, people perform actions to maintain arousal, the state of being awake and reactive to stimuli, at an optimal level. the Yerkes-Dodson law shows that performance is optimal at a medium level of arousal
Drives
these are internal states of tension that beget particular behaviors focused on goals. primary drives are related to bodily processes; secondary drives stem from learning and include accomplishments and emotions
drive reduction theory
states that motivation arises from the desire to eliminate drives, which create uncomfortable internal states
Needs
satisfying needs may also drive motivation. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs prioritizes needs into 5 categories
- physiological needs (highest priority)
- safety and security
- love and belonging
- self-esteem
- self-actualization (lowest priority)
self-determination theory
this theory emphasizes the role of three universal needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness
incentive theory
explains motivation as the desire to pursue rewards and avoid punishments
expectancy-value theory
states that the amount of motivation for a task is based on the individual’s expectation of success and the amount that success is valued
opponent-process theory
this explains motivation for drug use: as drug use increases, the body counteracts its effects, leading to tolerance and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
what is sexual motivation related to
hormones as well as cultural and social factors
