Module 34: Introduction to Motivation Unit 10: Motivation Module 34: Introduction to Motivation

Motivation Motive: a need or a want that causes us to act. Motivation: a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior. We will see: 1. Instinct Theory 2. Drive-reduction Theory 3. Arousal Theory 4. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Instinct Theory Instinct theory: physical and mental instincts such as curiosity and fearfulness cause us to act. Instincts: inherited automatic species-specific behaviors. i.e. Newly hatched ducks form attachment to 1st moving object they see.

Instinct Theory Psychologists debate the differences between instincts and reflexes.

Drive-Reduction Theory Need: motivated state caused by physiological deficit. Drive: state of psychological tension induced by need, which motivates us. Drive-Reduction Theory: the idea that a physiological need creates a drive that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

Drive-Reduction Theory Need (e.g., for food, water) Drive-reducing behaviors (eating, drinking) Drive (hunger, thirst) We have a need for food, water, etc. The drive we experience is hunger, thirst, etc. Drive-Reducing behaviors is eating, drinking, etc.

Drive-Reduction Theory The physiological aim of drive reduction is homeostasis. Homeostasis: the tendency to maintain a balance. Ex. Our body temperature is 98.6 degrees. Our aim is to maintain that temperature or we don’t feel right.

Incentive Theory Incentive: a positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior. Incentive theory: beyond the primary motives of food, drink, and sex which push us toward a goal, secondary motives or external stimuli such as money, approval, and grades regulate and pull us toward a goal.

Arousal Theory Arousal theory: each of us has an optimal level of arousal necessary to perform tasks, which vary with the person and the activity. Arousal: the level of alertness, wakefulness, and activation caused by activity in the central nervous system. We seek an optimal level of arousal.

Arousal Theory When our arousal levels below our optimal levels, we seek stimulation. Ex. If our level drops too low, we might go out with friends for stimulation. If our levels are too high, we might be motivated to sit at home and watch TV. Varies from person to person.

Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow: 1908 – 1970 American psychologist. One of the founders of humanistic psychology. Felt people were naturally good and wanted to grow. While jogging, he suffered a severe heart attack and died in California.

Hierarchy of Needs Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: 1) Basic biological needs 2) Safety and security needs 3) Belongingness and love needs 4) Self-esteem needs 5) Self-actualization needs Only when our basic needs are satisfied can we begin to fulfill other needs.

Theories of Motivation

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs The need for self-actualization, the need to fulfill one’s potential, spiritual fulfillment, are the highest needs and can only be realized after each succeeding need below has been fulfilled. However, this theory lacks evidence to support it fully.

Unit 10: Motivation Module 35: Hunger

Hunger Ancel Keys (1904-2004) was an American scientist who studied the influence of diet on health. He conducted The Minnesota Starvation Experiment as WWII was coming to an end! He used 36 male volunteers and semi- starved them for 24 weeks.

Hunger Results: The participants lost 25% of their body weight. They had increased depression, hysteria, and hypochondria. Some self-mutilated (one subject cut 3 fingers of his hand with an axe). Sexual interest was reduced as were all other interests, except food. Could not pass Maslow’s first need.

Hunger Stomach contractions accompany our feelings of hunger. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Time in minutes Subject swallows balloon, which measures stomach contraction Subject presses key each time when hungry Stomach contractions Hunger pangs

Hunger Glucose: the form of sugar that circulates in the blood. It provides the major source of energy for body tissues. When its level is low, we feel hunger. Also stimulating one part of the hypothalamus increases hunger. Stimulating a different part decreases hunger.

Hunger Orexin: Hunger-triggering hormone. Ghrelin: Hunger-arousing hormone secreted by an empty stomach. Gastric bypass surgery seals off part of the stomach resulting in less Ghrelin. Leptin: Hunger-dampening chemical secreted by fat cells. PYY: a digestive hormone that suppresses appetite.

Hunger Set Point: the point at which an individual’s “weight thermostat” is supposedly set. When the body falls below this weight, an increase in hunger. A lowered metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight. Basal Metabolic Rate: Body’s rate of energy expenditure.

Hunger Researchers have doubts about a set point, but instead prefer a settling point. Settling Point: the level at which a person’s weight settles in response to caloric intake and expenditure.

Psychology of Hunger As time passes since we last ate, we expect to eat again and get hungry. Carbohydrates boost levels of serotonin, which calms us. Culture and biology affects the foods we crave. We avoid unfamiliar foods (neophobia), which protected our ancestors from potentially toxic foods.

Psychology of Hunger 2/3 of Americans are considered overweight. 1/3 of those overweight are obese. Body mass index (BMI): a way of measuring obesity. Obesity causes a multitude of health issues.

Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa: a normal weight person diets and becomes significantly (over 15%) underweight, yet still feels fat and continues to starve. 95% of sufferers are female. Most are between the ages of 18-30. 30% of persons diagnosed with anorexia nervosa die.

Eating Disorders Bulimia Nervosa: disorder characterized by episodes of overeating, followed by vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Eat up to 20,000 calories and then starve or purge (vomit). Average victim is a young female of average weight. Takes physical and psychological toll

Women’s Body Images Thinnest Women’s ideal Women’s current body image Fattest What women believed men preferred What men actually preferred