Question 1

Janet wants to be a stay-at-home mom but worries that she won't be able to return to her career. This illustrates a(n):

Accepted Answer

Janet is experiencing an approach-avoidance conflict because she is attracted to the idea of staying home with her children, but is also avoiding the potential consequences of not being able to return to her career in the future.

Question 2

Which of the following work conditions is most likely to increase worker motivation and satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Having varied tasks instead of repetitive ones can help avoid boredom and increase engagement, which in turn can lead to higher levels of motivation and satisfaction. Specialized and consistent tasks (option B) can lead to monotony, and having no decision-making power (option C) can lead to feelings of disempowerment and dissatisfaction. Only providing feedback when performance is completely unacceptable (option D) can lead to uncertainty about expectations and can result in decreased motivation.

Question 3

Evan wants to earn a black belt in karate. Which way of thinking is most likely to help Evan reach his goal?

Accepted Answer

Setting specific goals that are tough but attainable is the most effective way to reach a long-term goal like earning a black belt in karate. It allows for progress and challenges while keeping the goal in sight. Aiming too low (option B) may not challenge Evan enough, while aiming too high (option A) could be discouraging. Avoiding distractions (option D) is also important for staying focused, but it alone will not guarantee success.

Question 4

Professor Batsell notices that one of his students seems to frame her participation in the course in terms of being judged favorably by fellow students and avoiding his criticism. It is likely that the student:

Accepted Answer

The student's focus on being judged favorably by peers and avoiding negative criticism from the professor suggests a motivation based on performing well or looking good in comparison to others, which is consistent with performance goals. This contrasts with intrinsic motivation (B), which arises from personal interest in the material itself. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest the student subscribes to "Try, try again" (C) or views failure as informative (D).

Question 5

In general, what is most likely to make people happy in the long run?

Accepted Answer

Research suggests that people who prioritize intrinsic satisfaction and engage in activities they genuinely enjoy are more likely to experience long-term happiness. Extrinsic rewards, such as money, provide temporary satisfaction but do not necessarily lead to lasting happiness. Making decisions based on anticipated future feelings also may lead to disappointment or regret.

Question 6

People who ________ are quick to cope with problems rather than stewing and brooding about them.

Accepted Answer

People with a strong sense of self-efficacy believe in their ability to handle challenges and are therefore more likely to take action and cope with problems instead of dwelling on them. This trait is not necessarily related to setting attainable goals, valuing financial success, or being motivated by performance goals.

Question 7

________ are goals framed in terms of positive experiences that you seek directly.

Accepted Answer

Approach goals are goals framed in terms of positive experiences that you seek directly. Performance goals are goals framed in terms of performing well in front of others, secure goals are not a recognized type of goal, and self-efficacy goals are goals framed in terms of developing competence and mastery.

Question 8

A(n) ________ is framed in terms of being judged favorably by others and avoiding criticism.

Accepted Answer

A performance goal is focused on achieving a specific outcome that is based on being judged favorably by others or avoiding criticism. It is driven by the desire to demonstrate one's ability and competence rather than learning or mastery. Approach goals are motivated by the desire to achieve a positive outcome, learning goals are motivated by the desire for personal growth and development, and mastery goals are focused on developing competence and skill in a particular area.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of an avoidance-avoidance conflict?

Accepted Answer

An avoidance-avoidance conflict involves a choice between two undesirable outcomes. In option B, the individual dislikes both candidates, making it a situation where they must choose between two negative options.

Question 10

Charlie and Charlotte are learning to ski. Every time she falls, Charlotte says, "This is the most humiliating experience I've ever had! Everyone is watching me behave like a clumsy dolt!" When Charlie falls he says, "Well, that sure isn't the way to turn on these things, I'd better try another way." Why is Charlotte more likely than Charlie to give up?

Accepted Answer

Charlotte's negative self-talk and focus on how others perceive her performance suggest that she is focused on performance goals, or the desire to demonstrate competence or avoid appearing incompetent. This can create fear of failure and lead to giving up. On the other hand, Charlie's more positive self-talk and focus on finding a solution suggest that he is more focused on mastery goals, or the desire to improve skills and competence. This can help him stay motivated despite setbacks.

Question 11

There is an old saying, "Damned if I do and damned if I don't." This saying illustrates a(n):

Accepted Answer

The saying "Damned if I do and damned if I don't" refers to an avoidance-avoidance conflict, where both options have negative consequences, and the individual must choose the lesser of two evils.

Question 12

Harriet is a fifth grader working on difficult math problems. When she solves one correctly, her teacher tells her that she's correct, and then adds, "You must be very smart to get that answer!" This comment is likely to encourage Harriet to:

Accepted Answer

Praising Harriet for being smart when she solves a problem correctly is likely to encourage her to focus on performance goals, as it ties her success to her perceived intelligence rather than the effort or learning process.

Question 13

Which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is true?
...

Question 14

Kayla, who has excellent writing and interpersonal skills, has been offered a job as an assistant editor for a publishing company, but also has a job offer as an assistant publicist for a communications firm. She's having difficulty deciding which job to take. This conflict is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

Kayla is experiencing an approach-approach conflict because she is choosing between two desirable options, both of which have positive outcomes.

Question 15

________ are goals framed in terms of avoiding unpleasant experiences.

Accepted Answer

Avoidance goals are framed in terms of avoiding unpleasant experiences, while mastery goals and learning goals are framed in terms of achieving positive outcomes. Insecure goals refer to goals that may be driven by fear or insecurity, but this is a broader category that includes both avoidance goals and other types of goals.

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of an approach-approach conflict?

Accepted Answer

An approach-approach conflict occurs when a person has to choose between two desirable options, like the young boy deciding between two adventure movies. Choices B and C are examples of approach-avoidance conflicts, where a person has to choose between a desirable and an undesirable option. Choice D is an example of an avoidance-avoidance conflict, where a person has to choose between two undesirable options.

Question 17

An expectation that comes true because of the tendency of the person holding it to act in ways that bring it about is called:

Accepted Answer

A self-fulfilling prophecy is when a person's belief about a situation influences their behavior in a way that makes the belief come true. In other words, people may unconsciously act in ways that lead to the fulfillment of their own expectations. For example, if a teacher believes that a certain student is very smart, they may treat that student differently than they do other students, providing more challenging work and feedback. As a result, the student may perform better and actually become smarter, fulfilling the teacher's initial belief.

Question 18

What feedback should you give a child after they solve a puzzle correctly, if you do not want them to give-up when they encounter a more difficult puzzle later on?

Accepted Answer

Praising a child's effort instead of their intelligence or luck will encourage them to keep working hard and trying even when faced with more difficult challenges. It promotes a growth mindset and helps build resilience.

Question 19

Katarina has the conviction that she can do what she sets out to do, whether it is mastering a new skill or reaching her goal of becoming a U.S. citizen. Psychologists call this feeling of competence:

Accepted Answer

Self-efficacy is the belief in one's ability to succeed in achieving a specific goal or performing a specific task. It is different from a performance goal, which is focused on achieving a certain level of performance to gain external rewards or avoid punishment. Drive refers to the inner urge to pursue and achieve goals. The need for achievement is the desire to accomplish difficult tasks and achieve excellence. While these concepts are related to self-efficacy, they are not the same thing. Therefore, the best choice is C) self-efficacy.

Question 20

Which of the following is a way that companies can encourage worker motivation and satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Allowing employees to have control over many aspects of their work has been shown to increase motivation and job satisfaction. Limiting feedback and making tasks too simple can be demotivating, while limiting the variety of tasks can be monotonous and boring.

Quiz 12: Motivation

Janet wants to be a stay-at-home mom but worries that she won't be able to return to her career. This illustrates a(n) :