MCAT Psychological Social Foundations Flashcards: 7a Motivation Theories Drives

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This deck focuses on 7a Motivation Theories Drives, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for MCAT Psychological Social Foundations.

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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: Which option best fits Maslow: what need level includes belongingness, friendship, and intimacy?

Answer: Love and belonging needs. Third level after physiological and safety; social connection needs.

Flashcard 2: Which concept describes decreased intrinsic motivation after adding external rewards?

Answer: Overjustification effect. External rewards can undermine inherent interest in activities.

Flashcard 3: What is the primary limitation of drive reduction theory for explaining behavior?

Answer: It poorly explains behaviors without deficits (e.g., curiosity, risk-taking). Can't account for behaviors that increase arousal/tension.

Flashcard 4: What is the hypothalamus's primary role in hunger and thirst regulation?

Answer: It integrates signals to regulate feeding, satiety, and fluid balance. Central control center for homeostatic drives.

Flashcard 5: What is the James–Lange view of emotion relevant to motivation?

Answer: Emotion follows perception of physiological arousal. We feel emotions because we perceive bodily changes first.

Flashcard 6: What is the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion regarding arousal and conscious feeling?

Answer: Arousal and emotion occur simultaneously and independently. Thalamus triggers both bodily response and emotional experience together.

Flashcard 7: Identify the correct term: a stable, long-lasting disposition to achieve a goal (not a momentary state).

Answer: Trait. Enduring characteristic that motivates behavior across situations.

Flashcard 8: Which emotion theory requires both arousal and a cognitive label to produce emotion?

Answer: Schachter–Singer two-factor theory. Emphasizes cognitive interpretation of physiological state.

Flashcard 9: What does drive reduction theory propose motivates behavior?

Answer: Behavior reduces physiological drives to maintain homeostasis. Organisms act to reduce tension from unmet biological needs.

Flashcard 10: Identify the key idea of Maslow hierarchy of needs relevant to motivation theories.

Answer: Lower needs are prioritized before higher needs like esteem and self-actualization. Basic needs (food, safety) must be met before pursuing growth needs.

Flashcard 11: What effect does leptin typically have on appetite and energy balance?

Answer: Decreases appetite and increases energy expenditure signals. Fat cells release leptin to signal fullness to the brain.

Flashcard 12: What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs (core idea)?

Answer: Lower needs must be met before higher growth needs motivate behavior. Hierarchical progression from survival to self-actualization.

Flashcard 13: Which theory most directly predicts misattribution of arousal across situations?

Answer: Schachter–Singer two-factor theory. Arousal from one source can be mislabeled as a different emotion.

Flashcard 14: What is the hypothalamus's primary role in hunger and thirst regulation?

Answer: Integrates internal signals and coordinates feeding and drinking behavior. Brain region monitors energy balance and triggers appropriate behaviors.

Flashcard 15: What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs (general ordering)?

Answer: Physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization. Basic needs must be met before pursuing higher ones.

Flashcard 16: Which option best distinguishes a push factor from a pull factor in motivation?

Answer: Push: internal drive; Pull: external incentive. Push factors originate internally; pull factors are environmental.

Flashcard 17: What is the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion and physiological arousal occur simultaneously and independently. It argues that thalamic signals trigger both emotional feelings and physical reactions concurrently.

Flashcard 18: Which theory best explains working harder when a bonus is offered for performance?

Answer: Incentive theory. External rewards motivate behavior changes.

Flashcard 19: What is the Schachter–Singer two-factor theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion = physiological arousal plus a cognitive label. We interpret arousal based on context to determine emotion.

Flashcard 20: What does incentive theory propose primarily motivates behavior?

Answer: External rewards and avoidance of punishments. Focuses on environmental pull factors rather than internal push factors.

Flashcard 21: What does arousal theory predict about performance at very low arousal levels?

Answer: Performance tends to be low due to underarousal. Insufficient stimulation leads to poor task execution.

Flashcard 22: What is secondary reinforcement?

Answer: Learned reinforcement via association with primary reinforcers (for example, money). Gains value through pairing with primary reinforcers.

Flashcard 23: What is intrinsic motivation?

Answer: Engaging in a behavior for inherent enjoyment or interest. Self-driven by personal satisfaction, not external factors.

Flashcard 24: What is the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion in one sentence?

Answer: Emotion and physiological arousal occur simultaneously. Body and emotions activate together, not sequentially.

Flashcard 25: Which option best describes the James–Lange theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion follows perception of physiological arousal. We feel afraid because we notice our heart racing.

Flashcard 26: What does incentive theory emphasize as the main source of motivation?

Answer: External rewards and environmental cues that pull behavior. Motivation comes from outside stimuli, not internal needs.

Flashcard 27: What is homeostasis in the context of biological drives?

Answer: Maintenance of internal physiological variables within narrow optimal ranges. Body regulates temperature, pH, glucose, etc. for survival.

Flashcard 28: Identify the correct term: motivation to satisfy hunger when blood glucose is low.

Answer: Drive-reduction (need-based) motivation. Low glucose creates physiological need driving eating behavior.

Flashcard 29: What is the Schachter–Singer two-factor theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion = physiological arousal plus a cognitive label for the context. Same arousal can produce different emotions based on cognitive interpretation.

Flashcard 30: Which option best fits Maslow: what need level includes food, water, and thermoregulation?

Answer: Physiological needs (base of the hierarchy). Most basic survival needs must be met before higher needs emerge.

Flashcard 31: What is the primary role of leptin in appetite regulation?

Answer: Satiety hormone from adipose tissue that decreases appetite. Signals adequate energy stores to suppress hunger.

Flashcard 32: What is the James–Lange theory of emotion in one sentence?

Answer: Physiological arousal occurs first; emotion is the perception of that arousal. We feel emotions by interpreting our body's physical responses.

Flashcard 33: Identify the motivation type: studying due to curiosity and enjoyment of learning.

Answer: Intrinsic motivation. This type stems from internal rewards like personal interest, leading to sustained engagement.

Flashcard 34: What hormone produced by the stomach increases hunger and is called the 'hunger hormone'?

Answer: Ghrelin. Released when stomach is empty; stimulates appetite.

Flashcard 35: What is the key difference between a need and a drive in drive reduction theory?

Answer: Need is deprivation; drive is the aroused state pushing action. Need creates the drive; drive is the motivated state that prompts behavior.

Flashcard 36: What does Maslow's hierarchy propose about the order of human needs?

Answer: Lower-level needs must be met before higher-level needs dominate. Basic survival needs take priority over social and self-fulfillment needs.

Flashcard 37: Which hypothalamic region is classically associated with satiety signaling?

Answer: Ventromedial hypothalamus. Stimulation here inhibits eating and signals fullness.

Flashcard 38: What is leptin and what motivational state does it signal?

Answer: Adipose-derived hormone signaling energy sufficiency; promotes satiety. "Fullness hormone" from fat cells suppresses appetite.

Flashcard 39: What is the key distinction between a drive and an incentive?

Answer: Drive is internal physiological tension; incentive is external reward cue. Drives push from within; incentives pull from environment.

Flashcard 40: Which level of Maslow's hierarchy includes financial security and protection from harm?

Answer: Safety needs. Second level focuses on security and stability in life.

Flashcard 41: Which theory best explains thrill-seeking that increases arousal above baseline?

Answer: Arousal theory. Explains seeking stimulation when understimulated.

Flashcard 42: Which theory states behavior is motivated by maintaining optimal arousal, not minimal arousal?

Answer: Arousal theory. People seek stimulation, not just drive reduction.

Flashcard 43: Which option best describes self-determination theory's core psychological needs?

Answer: Autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Meeting these needs promotes well-being and intrinsic motivation.

Flashcard 44: What is the definition of a secondary (learned) drive?

Answer: Drive acquired through learning and reinforcement (for example, money). Not biologically necessary but motivates through conditioning.

Flashcard 45: What is the Schachter–Singer two-factor theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion = physiological arousal plus a cognitive label for the context. Emotional experience results from interpreting physiological changes within situational context.

Flashcard 46: What is a primary drive (primary need) in motivation?

Answer: Innate biological need (e.g., hunger, thirst, sleep). Essential for survival and not learned through experience.

Flashcard 47: Identify the theory: arousal occurs, then the person interprets context to label emotion.

Answer: Schachter–Singer two-factor theory. Two-factor theory requires both arousal and cognitive interpretation.

Flashcard 48: What is the key distinction between drive reduction and incentive theories?

Answer: Drive: internal tension reduction; Incentive: external goal attraction. Drives push from within; incentives pull from outside.

Flashcard 49: What is drive reduction theory of motivation?

Answer: Motivation arises from reducing internal physiological tension (drives). Homeostasis is restored by satisfying biological needs.

Flashcard 50: What is the James–Lange theory of emotion?

Answer: Emotion follows perception of physiological arousal. We feel emotions because we interpret our body's physical responses.

Flashcard 51: What does the Yerkes–Dodson law state about arousal and performance?

Answer: Performance is highest at moderate arousal; too low or too high impairs it. Inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and task performance.

Flashcard 52: Which schedule of reinforcement produces the greatest resistance to extinction?

Answer: Variable ratio schedule. Unpredictable rewards create persistent responding due to uncertainty.

Flashcard 53: What is the primary role of ghrelin in appetite regulation?

Answer: Hunger hormone that increases appetite (signals energy deficit). Released by empty stomach to stimulate eating behavior.

Flashcard 54: Which hormone, released by the stomach, increases hunger and food intake?

Answer: Ghrelin. "Hunger hormone" from empty stomach stimulates appetite.

Flashcard 55: What is the James–Lange theory of emotion in one sentence?

Answer: Emotion follows perception of physiological arousal. We feel emotions after noticing body changes.

Flashcard 56: Which option best distinguishes anorexigenic from orexigenic signals?

Answer: Anorexigenic decreases appetite; orexigenic increases appetite. Anorexigenic suppresses eating; orexigenic stimulates eating.

Flashcard 57: What is Maslow's hierarchy of needs conceptually organized around?

Answer: Progression from basic physiological needs to self-actualization. Lower needs must be met before pursuing higher ones.

Flashcard 58: What is the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Answer: Intrinsic: internal satisfaction; extrinsic: external reward/pressure. Intrinsic comes from enjoyment; extrinsic from consequences.

Flashcard 59: Identify the theory: "Arousal occurs, then the person labels it to feel emotion."

Answer: Schachter–Singer two-factor theory. Requires both arousal and cognitive labeling for emotion.

Flashcard 60: What is the core claim of expectancy-value theory of motivation?

Answer: Motivation depends on expected success and value of the goal. Combines probability of success with outcome desirability.

Flashcard 61: What is homeostasis in the context of motivation and biological drives?

Answer: Maintenance of stable internal conditions via feedback mechanisms. Body maintains equilibrium through negative feedback loops.

Flashcard 62: Which level of Maslow's hierarchy is most basic?

Answer: Physiological needs (food, water, sleep, thermoregulation). Survival needs form the foundation of the hierarchy.

Flashcard 63: What is the definition of motivation in psychology?

Answer: Processes that initiate, direct, and sustain goal-directed behavior. Encompasses the why, how, and persistence of purposeful actions.

Flashcard 64: Identify the hormone released by fat cells that signals satiety and long-term energy stores.

Answer: Leptin. Adipose tissue hormone that suppresses appetite when energy is sufficient.

Flashcard 65: What is the hypothalamus's primary role in biological drives?

Answer: Regulates hunger, thirst, temperature, and endocrine control. Master control center for homeostatic drives and hormones.

Flashcard 66: What is drive reduction theory of motivation?

Answer: Motivation arises from reducing physiological drives to maintain homeostasis. Body seeks equilibrium by satisfying needs like hunger/thirst.

Flashcard 67: What does drive reduction theory propose is the primary source of motivation?

Answer: Motivation to reduce internal tension from unmet biological needs. Theory states unmet needs create tension that drives behavior to restore balance.

Flashcard 68: What does arousal theory propose about the relationship between arousal and performance?

Answer: People seek an optimal level of arousal for best performance. Too little or too much arousal impairs performance.

Flashcard 69: What is the Cannon–Bard theory of emotion in terms of timing of arousal and emotion?

Answer: Arousal and emotion occur simultaneously and independently. Thalamus triggers both bodily response and emotional experience together.

Flashcard 70: What is incentive theory of motivation?

Answer: External rewards or punishments pull behavior toward goals. Environmental stimuli motivate behavior through anticipated consequences.

Flashcard 71: What does the overjustification effect describe?

Answer: External rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation for a task. Adding rewards to enjoyable tasks can decrease inherent interest.

Flashcard 72: What is the difference between a drive and an incentive?

Answer: Drive is internal physiological tension; incentive is an external motivating stimulus. Drives push from within; incentives pull from outside.

Flashcard 73: What is the correct order of Maslow's needs from lowest to highest?

Answer: Physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, self-actualization. Pyramid structure from basic survival to personal growth needs.

Flashcard 74: What is leptin's primary effect on appetite and energy balance?

Answer: Signals satiety; decreases appetite as fat stores increase. Hormone from fat cells that suppresses hunger long-term.

Flashcard 75: What does arousal theory propose about optimal performance and motivation?

Answer: People seek an optimal level of arousal, not maximal arousal. Too little or too much arousal decreases performance.

Flashcard 76: What is self-determination theory (SDT) of motivation?

Answer: Motivation depends on autonomy, competence, and relatedness needs. Three psychological needs drive intrinsic motivation.

Flashcard 77: What is the James–Lange theory of emotion in terms of sequence of events?

Answer: Physiological arousal occurs first, then emotion is experienced. We feel emotions because we perceive our bodily reactions.

Flashcard 78: What does drive reduction theory propose motivates behavior when a physiological need exists?

Answer: Behavior reduces an internal drive to restore homeostasis. Body seeks equilibrium; drives push us to satisfy needs and return to balance.

Flashcard 79: Which hypothalamic region is classically associated with initiating hunger?

Answer: Lateral hypothalamus. Stimulation here triggers feeding behavior and hunger sensations.

Flashcard 80: What is ghrelin and what does it generally signal to the brain?

Answer: A stomach-derived hormone that increases hunger before meals. Released when stomach is empty to stimulate appetite.

Flashcard 81: What is a primary drive (biological drive) in motivation theory?

Answer: An innate drive based on biological needs (for example, hunger). Unlearned drives stem from survival needs like food and water.

Flashcard 82: What effect does ghrelin typically have on hunger and eating behavior?

Answer: Increases hunger and promotes food intake. Stomach releases ghrelin when empty to signal hunger.

Flashcard 83: Which type of task is most likely to require lower arousal for optimal performance?

Answer: Complex or difficult tasks. Difficult tasks need calm focus; simple tasks benefit from higher arousal.

Flashcard 84: What is the ventromedial hypothalamus primarily associated with in feeding behavior?

Answer: Satiety and stopping eating. Lesions here cause hyperphagia (overeating).

Flashcard 85: Which hypothalamic region is classically associated with initiating eating behavior?

Answer: Lateral hypothalamus. Stimulation triggers feeding; damage causes aphagia.

Flashcard 86: What is homeostasis in the context of biological drives?

Answer: Maintenance of internal physiological equilibrium around set points. Body systems self-regulate to maintain stable internal conditions.

Flashcard 87: What is a drive as defined in drive reduction theory?

Answer: An aroused state from a physiological need that motivates action. Hunger creates a drive state that motivates food-seeking behavior.

Flashcard 88: What is the set point theory of body weight regulation?

Answer: Body weight is regulated around a biologically influenced baseline level. It suggests the body defends a genetically and environmentally determined weight through metabolic adjustments.

Flashcard 89: Which hypothalamic region is classically associated with satiety signaling?

Answer: Ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH). VMH activation suppresses eating behavior.

Flashcard 90: What is the James–Lange theory of emotion?

Answer: Physiological arousal comes first; emotion is the interpretation of arousal. It proposes that bodily responses precede and cause the subjective experience of emotions.

Flashcard 91: What hormone released by adipose tissue promotes satiety and reduced food intake?

Answer: Leptin. "Satiety hormone" signals energy stores are adequate.

Flashcard 92: Identify the effect: Paying a child for drawing reduces later voluntary drawing.

Answer: Overjustification effect. Reward undermines child's intrinsic enjoyment of drawing.

Flashcard 93: What does the Yerkes–Dodson law predict about arousal and performance?

Answer: Performance is highest at intermediate arousal (inverted-U relation). Complex tasks need lower arousal; simple tasks need higher.

Flashcard 94: What is extrinsic motivation?

Answer: Motivation to do an activity for external rewards or outcomes. Driven by consequences separate from the activity itself.

Flashcard 95: What is the core claim of drive reduction theory of motivation?

Answer: Behavior reduces internal tension from physiological needs (drives). Organisms act to restore equilibrium when needs create drives.

Flashcard 96: What does arousal theory predict people seek with respect to stimulation level?

Answer: An optimal level of arousal; too low or too high reduces performance. Performance peaks at moderate arousal; boredom and overstimulation both impair function.

Flashcard 97: What does self-determination theory identify as three basic psychological needs?

Answer: Autonomy, competence, and relatedness. SDT posits these needs drive human motivation universally.

Flashcard 98: What is the difference between primary and secondary drives?

Answer: Primary: innate biological; secondary: learned through association. Primary drives are unlearned; secondary are conditioned.

Flashcard 99: Which hypothalamic region is classically associated with initiating feeding behavior?

Answer: Lateral hypothalamus. Stimulation triggers hunger; lesions cause aphagia.

Flashcard 100: What does arousal theory propose about the relationship between arousal and performance?

Answer: People seek an optimal level of arousal for best performance. Neither too much nor too little arousal; moderate levels optimize functioning.