1. Unit 8 Modules 37 & 38 AP Psychology
MOTIVATION & HUNGER
Unit 8 Modules 37 & 38
AP Psychology

2. Introduction: MOTIVATION
DEFINITION: * Most psychologists view Behavior as directed by either physiological need Or psychological want.

3. PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY MOTIVATION
Hunger/thirst, sex
Deemed necessary for survival of self and/or species
SECONDARY
Achievement
Extrinsic/intrinsic
Curiosity/manipulative
Social (belongingness)

4. FOUR THEORIES OF MOTIVATION #1
1) Instinct Theory (evolutionary perspective) – i.e. infant’s sucking, rooting -> they are unlearned, complex

5. MOTIVATION TO SURVIVE?
For example, a human mother, unlike many other species, will stay awake with a crying infant all night long trying to provide comfort. Why? Instinct theory suggests that she is programmed to behave in this manner - it is not due to learning or conditioning, not to being raised properly or poorly, not to having strong female role models or weak role models, or anything else, other that pure biology.
WILLIAM MCDOUGAL: influential theorist who viewed instincts as behavior patterns that are: 1. 2. 3.
For example, within a species of bird, all the members may build identical nests and work in the same ways. This is true even for those birds of that species born and raised in captivity and isolation, and thus could not have learned the appropriate nest building behavior from other, experienced role model birds. McDougal carried it a step further by stating that humans are the same and have instincts for behaviors such as: parenting, submission, jealousy, mating, and more.

6. PROBLEMS WITH THIS PERSPECTIVE
1. Theorists have never been able to agree on a list of instincts; Many instincts are NOT universal and seem to be more dependent on individual differences (for example, jealousy. Not all humans exhibit the same jealously levels, behaviors, etc.).
2. Today -

7. FOUR THEORIES OF MOTIVATION#2
2) Drive-Reduction Theory
Associated with Clark Hull (1943, 1952)
BASIC PRINICIPLE:
I.e. When thirsty, drink
When hungry eat
By doing these, we have reached a physiological balance = HOMOESTASIS
By doing these, you have internal peace.

8. FOUR THEORIES OF MOTIVATION #3
4) Optimal Arousal Theory
Yerkes-Dodson Law-> performance increases with arousal up only to a point, beyond which performance may decrease
MAJOR POINTS:
i.e. Why people climb mountains
Why people want an education
Why people watch horror movies

9. FOUR THEORIES OF MOTIVATION #4
5) HUMANISTIC THEORY Abraham Maslow Hierarchy of Needs: Maslow’s pyramid of human needs. obstacles that take away our focus for psychological growth: hunger thirst financial problems, safety issues ACTIVITY: Maslow Story, Pyramid Building

10. A 5th THEORY OF MOTIVATION?
PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY
Viewpoint –
INSPIRED BY SIGMUND FREUD that believed the vast majority of our knowledge is buried in the unconscious part of the mind.
This perspective can explain motives such as competition, aggression, sexual activity, and dominance.
3) It can also explain differences in men and women's mating preferences.
3. Seems Selfish - this perspective may seem selfish, but it can also explain seemingly Altruistic behaviors:
For example: A Blackbird will risk death to signal the flock that a hawk (a predator) is nearby? In so doing, the Blackbird increases its chance of getting killed, but also increases the chances of the other Blackbirds surviving and, therefore, increasing the odds that more genes will be passed on.

11. HUNGER AS MOTIVATOR
Strong motivator : seems to override sex, achievement
Biological mechanisms:
Brain monitors glucose levels (simple sugars)
Blood glucose levels (source of energy) drop =
Insulin (hormone) in high levels triggers hunger (secreted into bloodstream)
Stomach contracts when you feel hungry
Carbohydrates (potatoes, pasta, breads) turn into sugar; people crave them because they seem to increase serotonin levels
Hypothalamus:

12. “WEIGHT THERMOSTAT”
Set Point An individual’s “weight” thermostat; varies from people to people -> -> we each have differing metabolic rates -> Genetics Shouldn’t try to “reset” set point – body automatically responds by slowing down your metabolism – shuts down “non-essential” functions like your period.

13. PSYCHOLOGY OF HUNGER Psychology of Hunger
Taste aversions/likes are LEARNED behaviors
When depressed, we crave carbs b/c boost levels of seratonin
ACTIVITY: Handout on taste preferences
4. External incentives and hunger studies by Judith Roden
People whose eating is triggered more by the presence of food then hunger pain: insulin levels actually rise whey they see/sell food.
5. Presence of others amplify our natural behaviors-> we eat more when people are around

14. OBESITY
Why do some people gain weight while others eat the same amount and seldom gain a pound?
-In developing societies heavier bodies found attractive-> symbols of social status
-World Health Organization-
Causes a multitude of health problems ie diabetes, heart disease, etc.
When an overweight person’s body drops below its previous set point, the person’s hunger increases and metabolism decreases and they burn fewer calories. Overweight tend to sit still longer also.
Genetics->
Environmental->

15. EATING DISORDERS EATING DISORDERS -Handouts EATING DISORDERS:
ANOREXIA NERVOSA
1. significantly under weight
2. usually perfectionists
3. set very high standards
something they have control over is eating
BULIMIA NERVOSA
1. binge/purge syndrome
2. higher than normal incidence of depression and anxiety