AP Psychology Flashcards: Motivation

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Motivation, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Psychology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the definition of 'flow' in the context of motivation?

Answer: A state of complete immersion in an activity. Peak performance state with complete focus and engagement.

Flashcard 2: Which model of motivation suggests that behavior is a result of individual expectations of success?

Answer: Expectancy-Value Theory. Combines expectation of success with value of the outcome.

Flashcard 3: What is the definition of extrinsic motivation?

Answer: Motivation based on external rewards or avoiding punishment. Driven by tangible rewards like money or grades.

Flashcard 4: What is the definition of intrinsic motivation?

Answer: Motivation driven by internal rewards and personal satisfaction. Comes from personal satisfaction rather than external rewards.

Flashcard 5: In Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, what are the two types of factors?

Answer: Hygiene factors and Motivators. Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction; motivators create satisfaction.

Flashcard 6: What is the definition of self-actualization according to Maslow?

Answer: The realization of personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth. The highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Flashcard 7: Identify the primary concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Answer: A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs. Arranges human needs from basic survival to personal growth.

Flashcard 8: What does the term 'self-efficacy' refer to in motivation?

Answer: An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations. Confidence in one's ability affects motivation and performance.

Flashcard 9: What is the definition of homeostasis in motivation?

Answer: The body's tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state. Organisms naturally seek equilibrium and stability.

Flashcard 10: What is the order of needs in Maslow's hierarchy from basic to advanced?

Answer: Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization. Must satisfy lower needs before progressing to higher ones.

Flashcard 11: What is the definition of 'need for power' in motivational psychology?

Answer: The desire to control or influence others. One of three basic human needs in achievement motivation.

Flashcard 12: Identify the motivational state characterized by a lack of intention to act.

Answer: Amotivation. Complete absence of motivation to engage in activity.

Flashcard 13: Identify the concept that describes motivation by perceived likelihood of punishment.

Answer: Avoidance motivation. Behavior aimed at preventing negative outcomes.

Flashcard 14: What is the definition of 'autonomy' in motivation?

Answer: The need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals. One of three basic needs in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 15: What is the primary focus of the Goal-Setting Theory?

Answer: The impact of setting specific and challenging goals on motivation. Specific, challenging goals enhance performance more than vague ones.

Flashcard 16: What is the definition of self-actualization according to Maslow?

Answer: The realization of personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth. The highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Flashcard 17: Identify the theory that emphasizes the role of expected outcomes in motivation.

Answer: Expectancy Theory. People are motivated by beliefs about likely outcomes.

Flashcard 18: Which brain structure is associated with the regulation of hunger?

Answer: The hypothalamus. Brain region controlling basic survival drives including appetite.

Flashcard 19: What is the primary focus of the Goal-Setting Theory?

Answer: The impact of setting specific and challenging goals on motivation. Specific, challenging goals enhance performance more than vague ones.

Flashcard 20: What are the three components of the Expectancy Theory of motivation?

Answer: Expectancy, Instrumentality, Valence. Three key factors determining motivational force.

Flashcard 21: Identify the theory that emphasizes the role of expected outcomes in motivation.

Answer: Expectancy Theory. People are motivated by beliefs about likely outcomes.

Flashcard 22: What is the definition of 'need for power' in motivational psychology?

Answer: The desire to control or influence others. One of three basic human needs in achievement motivation.

Flashcard 23: What is meant by 'external regulation' in the context of motivation?

Answer: Behavior driven by external rewards or pressures. Lowest form of extrinsic motivation in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 24: Identify the concept that describes motivation by perceived likelihood of punishment.

Answer: Avoidance motivation. Behavior aimed at preventing negative outcomes.

Flashcard 25: Which part of the brain is primarily involved in processing rewards?

Answer: The nucleus accumbens. Key brain region in the reward pathway system.

Flashcard 26: Which theory suggests that people are motivated by a desire to reach an optimal level of arousal?

Answer: Arousal Theory. Performance peaks at moderate arousal levels.

Flashcard 27: What does the term 'valence' refer to in the context of motivation?

Answer: The value an individual places on the expected outcome. How much an individual values a particular reward.

Flashcard 28: Identify the motivation theory that focuses on personal growth and fulfillment.

Answer: Self-Actualization Theory. Maslow's theory emphasizing the drive for personal fulfillment.

Flashcard 29: Identify the theory that involves motivation through unconscious desires.

Answer: Psychoanalytic Theory. Freud's theory emphasizing unconscious drives and conflicts.

Flashcard 30: What is the main concept of the Drive Reduction Theory?

Answer: Motivation arises from the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet needs. Biological needs create drives that motivate behavior.

Flashcard 31: Identify one psychological need according to Self-Determination Theory.

Answer: Competence. Feeling effective and capable in one's activities.

Flashcard 32: What is the main focus of Achievement Goal Theory?

Answer: The role of goals in motivation and how they affect behavior. Different goal orientations lead to different behavioral patterns.

Flashcard 33: What is the definition of 'instrumentality' in Expectancy Theory?

Answer: The belief that performance will lead to a specific outcome. Belief that effort will lead to desired outcomes.

Flashcard 34: What is the primary focus of Cognitive Evaluation Theory?

Answer: The effects of external consequences on intrinsic motivation. How external rewards can undermine internal motivation.

Flashcard 35: What is the definition of 'autonomy' in motivation?

Answer: The need to feel in control of one's own behaviors and goals. One of three basic needs in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 36: Which part of the brain is primarily involved in processing rewards?

Answer: The nucleus accumbens. Key brain region in the reward pathway system.

Flashcard 37: Identify the term describing motivation influenced by personal standards and ideals.

Answer: Intrinsic motivation. Self-driven behavior based on personal values and interests.

Flashcard 38: What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in motivation?

Answer: Involved in decision making and moderating social behavior. Executive functions guide goal-directed behavior and self-control.

Flashcard 39: What is the main focus of Achievement Goal Theory?

Answer: The role of goals in motivation and how they affect behavior. Different goal orientations lead to different behavioral patterns.

Flashcard 40: What is the definition of homeostasis in motivation?

Answer: The body's tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state. Organisms naturally seek equilibrium and stability.

Flashcard 41: What is the definition of 'relatedness' in motivation?

Answer: The need to feel connected to others. Social connection need in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 42: Identify the theory that involves motivation through unconscious desires.

Answer: Psychoanalytic Theory. Freud's theory emphasizing unconscious drives and conflicts.

Flashcard 43: What does the Yerkes-Dodson Law state about arousal and performance?

Answer: Optimal performance occurs at moderate levels of arousal. Too little or too much arousal impairs performance.

Flashcard 44: What is the main premise of the Incentive Theory of motivation?

Answer: Behavior is motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentives. External rewards and punishments shape behavior patterns.

Flashcard 45: What is the definition of the term 'goal orientation'?

Answer: The degree to which an individual focuses on tasks and the end results. How individuals approach and pursue their objectives.

Flashcard 46: Identify the main focus of the Self-Determination Theory.

Answer: The role of intrinsic motivation and the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Emphasizes three basic psychological needs for well-being.

Flashcard 47: What does the Yerkes-Dodson Law state about arousal and performance?

Answer: Optimal performance occurs at moderate levels of arousal. Too little or too much arousal impairs performance.

Flashcard 48: Identify the psychological concept defined by the need for achievement.

Answer: A desire for significant accomplishment and mastery of skills. Drive to excel and accomplish challenging goals.

Flashcard 49: What is the role of dopamine in motivation?

Answer: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward in motivation. Released when anticipating or experiencing rewarding activities.

Flashcard 50: What is the definition of 'relatedness' in motivation?

Answer: The need to feel connected to others. Social connection need in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 51: Identify the psychological concept defined by the need for achievement.

Answer: A desire for significant accomplishment and mastery of skills. Drive to excel and accomplish challenging goals.

Flashcard 52: Which model of motivation suggests that behavior is a result of individual expectations of success?

Answer: Expectancy-Value Theory. Combines expectation of success with value of the outcome.

Flashcard 53: Identify the term describing motivation influenced by personal standards and ideals.

Answer: Intrinsic motivation. Self-driven behavior based on personal values and interests.

Flashcard 54: Which theory emphasizes the importance of unconscious desires in motivation?

Answer: Psychoanalytic Theory. Freud's approach focusing on unconscious drives and conflicts.

Flashcard 55: Identify one psychological need according to Self-Determination Theory.

Answer: Competence. Feeling effective and capable in one's activities.

Flashcard 56: Which brain structure is associated with the regulation of hunger?

Answer: The hypothalamus. Brain region controlling basic survival drives including appetite.

Flashcard 57: What is the role of the prefrontal cortex in motivation?

Answer: Involved in decision making and moderating social behavior. Executive functions guide goal-directed behavior and self-control.

Flashcard 58: Identify the motivation theory that focuses on personal growth and fulfillment.

Answer: Self-Actualization Theory. Maslow's theory emphasizing the drive for personal fulfillment.

Flashcard 59: What is the main premise of the Incentive Theory of motivation?

Answer: Behavior is motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentives. External rewards and punishments shape behavior patterns.

Flashcard 60: What does the term 'valence' refer to in the context of motivation?

Answer: The value an individual places on the expected outcome. How much an individual values a particular reward.

Flashcard 61: Identify the motivational state characterized by a lack of intention to act.

Answer: Amotivation. Complete absence of motivation to engage in activity.

Flashcard 62: Which theory suggests that people are motivated by a desire to reach an optimal level of arousal?

Answer: Arousal Theory. Performance peaks at moderate arousal levels.

Flashcard 63: What is the definition of intrinsic motivation?

Answer: Motivation driven by internal rewards and personal satisfaction. Comes from personal satisfaction rather than external rewards.

Flashcard 64: What is the definition of 'flow' in the context of motivation?

Answer: A state of complete immersion in an activity. Peak performance state with complete focus and engagement.

Flashcard 65: In Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, what are the two types of factors?

Answer: Hygiene factors and Motivators. Hygiene factors prevent dissatisfaction; motivators create satisfaction.

Flashcard 66: What is the definition of the term 'goal orientation'?

Answer: The degree to which an individual focuses on tasks and the end results. How individuals approach and pursue their objectives.

Flashcard 67: What is the main concept of the Drive Reduction Theory?

Answer: Motivation arises from the desire to reduce internal tension caused by unmet needs. Biological needs create drives that motivate behavior.

Flashcard 68: What is the role of dopamine in motivation?

Answer: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward in motivation. Released when anticipating or experiencing rewarding activities.

Flashcard 69: What is the primary focus of Cognitive Evaluation Theory?

Answer: The effects of external consequences on intrinsic motivation. How external rewards can undermine internal motivation.

Flashcard 70: What does the term 'self-efficacy' refer to in motivation?

Answer: An individual's belief in their ability to succeed in specific situations. Confidence in one's ability affects motivation and performance.

Flashcard 71: What is meant by 'external regulation' in the context of motivation?

Answer: Behavior driven by external rewards or pressures. Lowest form of extrinsic motivation in self-determination theory.

Flashcard 72: Identify the main focus of the Self-Determination Theory.

Answer: The role of intrinsic motivation and the psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Emphasizes three basic psychological needs for well-being.

Flashcard 73: What is the order of needs in Maslow's hierarchy from basic to advanced?

Answer: Physiological, Safety, Love/Belonging, Esteem, Self-Actualization. Must satisfy lower needs before progressing to higher ones.

Flashcard 74: What is the definition of 'instrumentality' in Expectancy Theory?

Answer: The belief that performance will lead to a specific outcome. Belief that effort will lead to desired outcomes.

Flashcard 75: What are the three components of the Expectancy Theory of motivation?

Answer: Expectancy, Instrumentality, Valence. Three key factors determining motivational force.

Flashcard 76: Identify the primary concept of Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Answer: A motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs. Arranges human needs from basic survival to personal growth.

Flashcard 77: Which theory emphasizes the importance of unconscious desires in motivation?

Answer: Psychoanalytic Theory. Freud's approach focusing on unconscious drives and conflicts.