Seth Hernandez is sitting in a class that precedes lunch. His stomach begins to rumble and grumble. Instead of thinking about the day's lecture, Seth begins to think about lunch and his choice of places to eat. He even begins to narrow down the selection of foods that he might want for lunch. Seth is focusing on biological needs that are at present unfulfilled and have produced what might be thought of as an unpleasant state of arousal. Which of the following theories best describes Seth's experience?
A) fact-and-find theory
B) drive theory
C) emotional theory
D) cognitive theory

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Seth's experience can be best explained by drive theory, which suggests that biological needs create an unpleasant state of arousal, or drive, that motivates an individual to act in a way that reduces the drive and fulfills the need. In this case, Seth's hunger is producing a drive that is causing him to focus on finding food for lunch. The other three theories do not directly address the experience of unfulfilled biological needs and arousal.

Seth Hernandez Is Sitting in a Class That Precedes Lunch