Vocabulary
Theories
Motivational Concepts
100

Motivation

A need or desire that energizes and directs behavior 

100

Evolutionary Theory 

A theoretical approach in psychology that examines cognition and behavior from a modern evolutionary perspective

100

Nature vs Nurture

Describes the question of how much a person's characteristics are formed by either “nature” or “nurture.”

200

Physiological Need

A basic bodily requirement
200

Drive Reduction Theory

The idea that a physiological need creates an aroused state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

200

According to the ____ _____ theory, we strive to satisfy three needs, competence, autonomy, and relatedness. 

Self-Determination Theory 

300

Homeostasis

A tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry; such as blood glucose, around a particular level

300

Self-Determination Theory

The theory that we feel motivated to satisfy our needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness

300

Self determined behaviors tend to be ____ motivated, we perform them because they are inherently meaningful or satisfying, and they enhance our feelings of competence.  

Intrinsically 

400

Affiliation Need

The need to build and maintain relationships and to feel part of a group

400

Arousal Theory 

Performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases

400

Studies Vary but overall there is a small _____ correlation between teens social media time and their risk of anxiety and depression

Positive 

500

Yerkes-Dodson Law 

The principle that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases 

500

Sensation Seeking Theory

The tendency to seek out novel, stimulating, and often risky experiences

500

How does achievement motivation and grit differ?

Grit is a passion towards a long term goal while achievement motivation is a desire for a specific accomplishment or mastery of a skill. The motivations are what differ.

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