What is motivation?
An inferred process that causes movement toward a goal or away from something unpleasant.
What are the three influences of motivation?
- Direction (goal chosen)
- Persistence (duration of effort)
- Vigour (intensity of effort)
Who defined motivation as ‘the pushes and prods—biological, social, psychological—that defeat laziness and move us to action’?
Miller (1962)
Define Instinct/Evolutionary Theory.
Instinct = inherited, fixed pattern of behavior, not learned.
What does Drive-Reduction Theory propose?
Motivation reduces drives to restore homeostasis.
Give an example of Drive-Reduction Theory.
Hunger pushes eating, restoring balance.
What is the Yerkes-Dodson Law?
Optimal arousal depends on task difficulty.
What are the two types of motivation according to Incentive Theory?
- Intrinsic Motivation
- Extrinsic Motivation
List the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
- Physiological (food, water)
- Safety (security)
- Love/Belonging (relationships)
- Esteem (respect, achievement)
- Self-Actualization (fulfilling potential)
What physiological signals trigger hunger?
Blood glucose drops → liver signals brain → triggers hunger.
What hormone regulates appetite?
GLP-1 hormone
What happens to appetite if GLP-1 levels decrease?
Linked to obesity.
What is the function of the hypothalamus in hunger regulation?
Regulates appetite.
What is a Set Point?
Genetically influenced weight range (±10%).
What are the universal taste preferences?
Carbs boost serotonin → reduce stress.
Define mindless eating.
Eating influenced by environmental cues like plate size and presence of others.
What is obesity defined as?
Excess body fat increasing health risks.
What are some health risks associated with obesity?
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Arthritis
How does fat tissue compare to muscle in terms of calorie burning?
Fat tissue burns fewer calories than muscle.
What is the impact of inadequate sleep on weight?
Leads to weight gain.
What are the two types of love described?
- Passionate love
- Companionate love
What are the three ingredients of love?
- Passion
- Intimacy
- Commitment
What is the Sexual Response Cycle?
- Excitement
- Plateau
- Orgasm
- Resolution
What influences sexual desire biologically?
Testosterone
