1. Define motivation as psychologists use the term today, and name four perspectives useful for studying motivated behavior.

Motivation is the energizing and directing of behavior Motivation is the energizing and directing of behavior. The instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, and hierarchy of needs perspectives offer insights into motivated behaviors.

2. Discuss instinct theory and its misuses.

Instincts are rigidly patterned, complex behaviors found throughout a species. Early instinct theorists, influenced by Darwin’s theory of natural selection, tried but failed to classify human behaviors as though they were propelled by such instincts. The underlying idea – that genes predispose species – typical behavior – is still influential.

3. Explain how drive-reduction theory views human motivation.

- physiological needs create aroused psychological states that drive us to reduce or satisfy those needs - internal stability = homeostasis pushed to reduce drive = satisfying hunger pulled by external incentive = smell of cooking food

4. Discuss the contribution of arousal theory to the study of motivation.

Arousal theory helps explain the motivation for behaviors that do not reduce immediate physiological needs or tension states. Curiosity-driven behaviors, for example, suggest that too little stimulation can motivate people to seek higher level of arousal.

5. Describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

- pyramid shaped sequence in which lower-level needs, such as hunger and thirst, are more compelling than higher-level needs, such as the need to love or to be respected -not universal, but, provides framework for thinking about motivated behaviors