2 Quick Definitions… Motivation- a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior Instinct- a complex behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout a species & is unlearned

Psychologic al Motivation Choose your own adventure……. Drive Reduction Theory Hunger & Thirst Belonging & Stimulation Needs Social Needs Achievement Motivation at Work

Drive Reduction Theory The idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state ( or a drive ) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need

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. Back to Start

Hunger and Thirst Physiological Forces Blood Sugar ( Glucose )- a drop in glucose levels signals the feelings of hunger to your brain Stomach Contractions - we feel “ hungry ” when our stomach contracts creating hunger pangs.  Washburn & Bard ’ s experiment with a swallowed balloon Can we still experience hunger without a stomach?

More on Hunger and Thirst… Hypothalamus - controls many functions in the body, including sending messages about hunger Patients who have had portions or even all of their stomachs removed have still reported feeling the experience of hunger ! Temperature Receptors - on the tongue, if these receptors increase in temperature or experience dryness, this too will signal the brain that the individual is thirsty

More on Physiological Forces of Hunger Set Points - a sort of general, approximate weight level of an individual influenced by genetics People will generally stay within this range despite efforts to the contrary ( the truth regarding set points is still debated ) Basal Metabolic Rate - the body ’ s resting rate of energy expenditure  the body may adjust to compensate

Non - Biological Factors Cultural - our taste preferences are influenced by culture Strange Foods Eating habits / Memory of Last meals - Our brains may signal us when we approach the times we regularly eat, these are learned habits Stress & Moods - We may crave foods which calm or comfort us  Foods high in starch ( carbohydrates ) help boost serotonin levels in the brain which produces calming effects

More Non - Biological Factors Eating in Groups - social facilitation often causes us to change our eating behaviors when we eat with others  we generally eat more when we eat with more people Portion size / Food variety - when people are offered larger portion sizes, they tend to eat more  in an experiment, even nutrition experts consumed 31% more calories when given a big rather than a small bowl * Obesity feeds depression, and depression feeds obesity Back to Start

Belonging & Stimulation Needs Humans are social animals and have a strong desire to belong to a group A couple of interesting facts : * the pain of being ostracized shows up on fMRI scans in the same way as physical pain * Evolutionary Psychologist Robin Dunbar ’ s research has indicated that we are capable of forming meaningful relationships with about 150 people at a time  this also happens to be the typical size of a tribal village

Harry Harlow & His Monkey Friends Contact Comfort - the satisfaction obtained from pleasant, soft stimulation ; this has been shown to be essential for normal development of children Stimulation Needs - humans ( as well as other animals ) have a need to be stimulated both physically as well as psychologically  monkeys with typewriters, choo - choo trains, etc  children in hospitals after WWII

Harlow's Experiments Harry Harlow…In Action Back to Start

Social Needs Connectedness - people have a strong motivation to “ connect ” or build relationships with others Social Networking Facts : * At the end of 2010, the world had 6.9 billion people and 5.3 billion cell - phone subscribers * 90% of US teens text which is up from 50% in 2006 * As of 2010, 94% of American college students were using Facebook  The average number of Facebook friends is 125 Back to Start

Achievement Autonomy - self rule ; individuals strive to feel in control of their own lives and make their own decisions Competence - People strive to master tasks & skills, to feel accomplished in certain areas  Is this intrinsically or extrinsically motivated? Back To Start

Motivation at Work Flow - a completely involved, focused state of consciousness with diminished awareness of self and time resulting from optimal engagement of one ’ s skills * Often times, the busier you are the happier you are * The Internet and text messages ( among other things ) can greatly disrupt “ flow ” while we are engaged in meaningful activities  it then takes time to reengage and recapture “ flow ”  Experiencing flow boosts our self - esteem, competence, and feelings of well - being Interview with Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Back to Start

Some Final Thoughts on Motivation…