Question 1

An internal condition of arousal that directs a person to satisfy a physiological need is called

Accepted Answer

The internal condition of arousal that directs a person to satisfy a physiological need is called a drive. Drives are generated by a homeostatic disturbance or deficiency, such as hunger or thirst. The drive directs behavior to reduce the disturbance or deficiency and restore balance to the body.

Question 2

Which of the following is evidence in support of the stimulus motive in animals other than humans?

Accepted Answer

Monkeys playing with mechanical puzzles demonstrate a stimulus motive, as they engage in this activity for stimulation and curiosity rather than for a direct biological need like hunger or reproduction.

Question 3

Hank's love of roller coasters and Lillian's love of horror movies are best explained by

Accepted Answer

Arousal theory suggests that individuals are motivated to seek out and maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal. Hank's love of roller coasters and Lillian's love of horror movies both provide a heightened sense of excitement and arousal.

Question 4

In its original form, drive-reduction theory focused primarily on which of the following needs and the drives they produce?

Accepted Answer

Drive-reduction theory originally focused on biological needs such as hunger, thirst, and sex, and the drives they produce to motivate behavior aimed at reducing the need.

Question 5

Which of the following addresses the link between arousal and performance?

Accepted Answer

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that performance increases with arousal up to a certain point, after which further arousal decreases performance. This law is widely accepted as explaining the link between arousal and performance.

Question 6

When stimulation is too low, ________ cause us to increase stimulation.

Accepted Answer

Stimulus motives are innate needs that prompt us to seek increased stimulation when our environment is lacking in excitement or novelty.

Question 7

Kim is preparing to take a calculus examination. Which of the following suggests that if she is very nervous, she will do poorly on this complex examination?

Accepted Answer

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that moderate levels of arousal lead to better performance, but too much or too little arousal can lead to poorer performance. If Kim is very nervous (high arousal), she may perform poorly on the exam according to this theory.

Question 8

Behaviours which help the body maintain a balanced internal state or equilibrium are likely to be repeated according to which of these theories?

Accepted Answer

The drive-reduction theory states that behaviors are repeated in order to reduce physiologic drives, such as hunger or thirst, and return the body to a balanced internal state.

Question 9

The motive to explore and the motive of curiosity are called

Accepted Answer

The motive to explore and the motive of curiosity are both classified as stimulus motives. These are motives that arise from an individual's desire for stimulation, novelty, or change in their environment. They are not driven by biological needs or social pressures, but rather by an intrinsic desire to explore and learn.

Question 10

According to drive-reduction theory, when you experience a particular drive state, you will be more and more likely to engage in actions that

Accepted Answer

Drive-reduction theory suggests that when a person experiences a particular drive state (e.g. hunger or thirst), they will engage in actions that reduce or satisfy that drive (e.g. eating or drinking). Therefore, the answer is B, as engaging in actions that reduce the current drive is the main goal according to this theory.

Question 11

Which of the following theories suggests that motivation is basically a process in which various biological needs push or drive us to actions designed to satisfy these biological needs?

Accepted Answer

Drive-reduction theory suggests that motivation is driven by biological needs, such as hunger or thirst, which create a drive or urge to carry out actions that will satisfy these needs and reduce the drive.

Question 12

When the body is physiologically balanced, it is said to be in a state of

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe a physiological balance in the body is homeostasis. This refers to the ability of the body to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment. It is a process of self-regulation that involves a complex network of feedback loops and control mechanisms to keep the body in a stable and balanced state. Homogeneity and arousal do not describe a state of physiological balance, while equanimity may refer to a psychological state but not a physiological one.

Question 13

Josh spends countless hours surfing the internet. Which of the following theories would best explain his motivation to engage in this behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Arousal theory suggests that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal or stimulation. In this case, Josh may be motivated to surf the internet because it provides him with the level of stimulation that he desires.

Question 14

According to the text, some researchers claim that emotional feelings are negative when people are

Accepted Answer

Researchers suggest that emotional feelings can be negative when individuals experience either too much arousal (overarousal) or too little arousal (underarousal), as both extremes can lead to discomfort or dissatisfaction.

Question 15

According to arousal theory, people seek

Accepted Answer

Arousal theory suggests that people strive for an optimal level of arousal - not too much, and not too little. This is because when we are under-stimulated, we may feel bored or lethargic, while when we are over-stimulated, we may feel anxious or overwhelmed. Therefore, optimal arousal is required for a person to feel comfortable and in control.

Question 16

Boredom is to __________ theory, as tension is to _____________ theory.

Accepted Answer

Boredom is often associated with low levels of arousal, which is the focus of arousal theory. Tension, on the other hand, is often associated with high levels of arousal, which is the focus of drive-reduction theory. Therefore, boredom is related to arousal theory and tension is related to drive-reduction theory.

Question 17

Joe finds he needs a certain amount of stimulation in his life. Too much stimulation causes him to become overstressed, while too little leaves him bored and unmotivated. Which of the following theories best explains Joe's situation

Accepted Answer

Arousal theory suggests that organisms have an optimal level of arousal that they seek to maintain, which varies from individual to individual. Joe's need for a certain amount of stimulation and being overstressed with too much and bored with too little aligns with the concepts of arousal theory.

Question 18

While taking a psychology exam, Millie got up and shut the classroom door because of some noisy students in the hall. Which theory explains Millie's behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Arousal theory suggests that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, which can be influenced by environmental stimuli such as noise in the hallway. Millie's behaviour of shutting the door can be seen as an attempt to reduce external stimulation and maintain a preferred level of arousal for better performance on her exam.

Question 19

A state of homeostasis is necessary for

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis refers to maintaining a stable internal environment necessary for physical survival. Emotional balance, achievement, and motivation can all be influenced by homeostasis, but physical survival is the primary reason for its necessity.

Question 20

The fact that organisms often engage in behaviours that increase rather than reduce tension contradicts

Accepted Answer

Drive-reduction theory posits that the primary motivation for behavior is to reduce internal drives related to basic physiological needs, aiming for a state of homeostasis or balance. Engaging in behaviors that increase rather than reduce tension contradicts this theory, as it suggests an increase in arousal or drive, rather than a reduction.

Quiz 9: Motivation and Emotion