Psy 211 - Motivation and Emotion Worksheet

Motivation and Emotion Worksheet

PSY/211

University of Phoenix

Motivation and Emotion Worksheet

1. There are a total of five approaches to motivation. These approaches include instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, incentive, and self-determination. Each of these five approaches independently has their own effect on motivation. Instinct approach can motivate one by simply attracting their instinctual needs with things such as food and/or water. Drive-reduction theory affects motivation in which an organism will seek what it believes to be homeostasis. This approach claims an organism will reduce its level of stimulation in order to achieve homeostasis. Arousal theory is the total opposite. Arousal theory affects motivation by seeking the ultimate endorphin rush. This can be accomplished both physically and mentally. Too much arousal can inhibit one's ability to reach their goal. Incentive theory affects motivation by causing the brain to believe you want something that you either have little to no use for, or could do without. Lastly, self-determination theory states that motivation is acquired through activities one enjoys doing, whilst also having great control of their behavior.

2. The three main emotions are: physically, behavioral, and subjective. There are a total of three different theories which put emotions into perspective. Two of the three theories which are perfect opposites of each other are "the common sense theory" and "James-Lange theory". The common sense theory states that in a given situation, emotion will overcome a person first (first response) followed by some sort of physical response (second response). The James-Lange theory on the other hand states that in the same aforementioned situation, some sort of physical response occurs first (first response), followed by an emotional response. In terms of cause and effect, according to the common sense theory the cause is happiness and the effect is a smile. The James-Lange theory understands it as the cause being a smile and the effect being happiness.

3. One positive and negative emotion related to being a student is desire and fear. A good student is in class might desire a fruitful future from his/her scholastic achievements. The same student could have emotions of fear from not being able to attain that desire.

4. I believe through the self-determination approach, one would be faced with a down-hill battle in overcoming the emotions in answer three. Through self-determination, one could go into an area of study that they enjoy doing, thus aiding in the control of their behavior; to include emotions.