Instinct, Drive, Arousal Theories
A sea turtle hatchling emerges from its egg on a beach and, without any training or observation, immediately heads towards the ocean. This behavior is a classic example of which motivational concept?
Instinct Theory: This describes a complex, unlearned, and fixed pattern of behavior that is essential for survival, which is the very definition of an instinct.
In 2021 this team, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, won their first NBA title since 1971.
The Milwaukee Bucks
According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which of the following needs must generally be met before someone can focus on "Esteem Needs"?
Love and Belonging Needs
What was the first horror movie to win the Best Picture Oscar?
The Silence of the Lambs
What powerful gut feeling often signals that a relationship is no longer healthy for you?
A feeling of obligation, anxiety, or dread when you have to spend time with them.
On a quiet, rainy afternoon, a student feels restless and bored with their homework. They decide to put on a loud, fast-paced video game to feel more engaged. This choice is best explained by which theory?
Arousal Theory: The student was under-aroused (bored) and was motivated to seek out a more stimulating activity to reach a more optimal level of alertness.
In 2022 this player broke the record for most career 3-pointers in the NBA.
Steph Curry
Receiving a bonus check at work for exceeding your sales targets is an example of:
Extrinsic Motivation
*Daily Double*
In which state does The Blair Witch Project take place?
Maryland
If a relationship consistently feels one-sided, where you're always giving more than you receive, what might that indicate?
It's an imbalance leading to resentment and emotional exhaustion.
After skipping lunch, an office worker feels a strong gnawing feeling in their stomach and is distracted from their work. They leave their desk to buy a sandwich from the cafeteria. Which theory of motivation best explains this action?
Drive Theory: The feeling of hunger created an uncomfortable internal drive, and the worker was motivated to eat to reduce this tension and restore balance.
In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series against who?
(securing their first championship since 1988)
Tampa Bay Rays
*Daily Double*
Which type of motivation comes from performing an activity for the inherent satisfaction, enjoyment, or personal fulfillment, rather than for external rewards?
Intrinsic Motivation
What is the name of the child at the center of The Omen?
Damien
Why is a strong support network important for long-term addiction recovery?
It offers accountability, encouragement, and protection against isolation.
The central goal of behavior in Drive Theory is to achieve a state of internal balance. What is the term for this state?
Homeostasis: This is the precise term for the balanced, stable internal state that an organism is driven to maintain.
In 2023 this person became the all-time leading goal scorer in international football.
Cristiano Ronaldo
According to Vroom's Expectancy Theory, if you don't believe that your increased effort will actually lead to better performance, which component is missing, thus reducing your motivation?
Expectancy
In Scream (1996) who is the first character to die in the film?
Steve Orth or Casey's boyfriend, or the boyfriend tied to the chair.
When someone subtly undermines your successes or minimizes your feelings, what might that involve?
Giving backhanded compliments or dismissing your achievements or struggles.
A person feeling overwhelmed by a noisy, crowded party decides to step outside into the quiet garden for a few minutes. According to Arousal Theory, what is this person trying to do?
Reduce their level of arousal: The party was a state of over-arousal, and the person sought a less stimulating environment to return to their optimal, more manageable level.
In 2024 She became the NCAA Division 1 all-time scoring leader, a symbol of the surge in women's sports, and was the first overall pick in the WNBA draft.
Caitlin Clark
A person decides to volunteer at an animal shelter because they feel a deep personal connection to animals and find the work incredibly fulfilling, even without pay. This is a strong example of:
Intrinsic Motivation driven by a sense of purpose and relatedness
What do Carrie’s classmates dump on her at prom in Carrie?
Pig’s blood
What does it mean if you find yourself "shrinking" or censoring yourself around someone?
You feel you can't be your authentic self and hold back your opinions or enthusiasm.