Question 1

Joe received a promotion with a large pay increase. He was very excited about the possibility of the promotion, and he thought it would change his whole life. Although it did lift his mood for several weeks, Joe went back to the same level of happiness that he had always had. Joe's reaction could best be explained by the

Accepted Answer

Joe's reaction is best explained by the hedonic treadmill, which suggests that individuals have a set point for happiness and that external events, such as a promotion and pay increase, may temporarily elevate happiness but eventually return to the original level. The other options (positivity effect, broaden and build theory, durability bias) do not fully explain Joe's reaction to the promotion.

Question 2

__________ is a state of tension resulting from the deprivation of physical needs, such as those for food and water.

Accepted Answer

The state described in the question is commonly known as a drive, which is a physiological or psychological need that energizes behavior and directs it towards a goal or object that will satisfy the need. While instinct and impulse may also play a role in behavior, they do not specifically refer to the deprivation of physical needs as described in the question. A value refers to a belief or principle that an individual holds as important, but it is not directly tied to a physiological need or tension.

Question 3

The Yerkes-Dodson law describes an inverted U-shaped relationship between ________ and ________.

Accepted Answer

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance. This means that as arousal increases, performance initially improves, but eventually reaches a point where further increases in arousal lead to a decrease in performance. This relationship can be applied to a variety of situations, such as studying for a test or playing a sport, where a certain level of arousal is necessary for optimal performance, but too much or too little arousal can be detrimental.

Question 4

Homeostasis is most like which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A thermostat is a device that maintains a constant temperature in a building, similar to how homeostasis maintains a constant internal environment in the body. A car, thermometer, and cooler do not have the same function as homeostasis.

Question 5

According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, what is required for each person to perform at their best?

Accepted Answer

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that there is an optimal level of arousal required for performing at one's best. Too little or too much arousal can lead to decreased performance. Defensive pessimism, achievement motivation, and affective forecasting are not directly related to the Yerkes-Dodson law.

Question 6

Which theory suggests that motivated behaviours result from an effort to reduce tension caused by bodily needs such as hunger or thirst?

Accepted Answer

The theory that suggests that motivated behaviors result from an effort to reduce tension caused by bodily needs such as hunger or thirst is drive reduction theory. This theory proposes that we are motivated to take action in order to reduce the physical tension or arousal (also known as a drive) that builds up as our bodies seek to return to a balanced state (homeostasis).

Question 7

Some psychologists believe that an organism's behaviour is motivated by the need to achieve a state of balance in which the body functions effectively-a state called

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis is the process by which biological systems maintain stability and balance in order to function effectively. It involves various physiological mechanisms that work to regulate and adjust internal states, such as body temperature, blood pressure, and glucose levels, in response to changing external conditions. The concept of homeostasis is widely accepted in psychology and is seen as a key factor in understanding human behaviour and motivation.

Question 8

_______________ refers to the drives-especially wants and needs-that propel us in specific directions.

Accepted Answer

Motivation refers to the inner state or condition of an individual that energizes and directs behavior towards a goal. It includes the drives, needs, and desires that propel an individual in a specific direction. While homeostasis is the tendency of the body to maintain a stable internal environment and incentives are external stimuli that motivate behavior, self-esteem refers to an individual's evaluation of their own worth and value. Therefore, the best answer is C - Motivation.

Question 9

Which theory states that we experience tension when we are deprived of things like food, so we are motivated to do something to reduce that tension and return the body to a balanced state?

Accepted Answer

The theory described in the question is the drive reduction theory, which posits that we experience a physiological need, such as hunger, which produces a drive (tension) to satisfy that need. The goal of behavior then is to reduce (or eliminate) that drive by fulfilling the need, which returns the body to its balanced (homeostatic) state.

Question 10

What term is used to describe the force that leads us to work toward our goals, or avoid things we don't enjoy?

Accepted Answer

The term used to describe the force that leads us to work toward our goals, or avoid things we don't enjoy is motivation. Option A (optimism) and B (pessimism) are attitudes or outlooks, while option C (locus of control) is a person's belief about their control over events in their life, and does not necessarily relate to the force that drives their behavior.

Question 11

The ____________ approach to motivation suggests a connection between internal physical states, like hunger, and outward behaviour, like making a sandwich.

Accepted Answer

The drive reduction theory of motivation posits that humans are motivated to take certain actions in order to reduce the internal tension caused by unmet needs, such as hunger, and restore homeostasis. Making a sandwich when hungry is an example of an action taken to reduce the drive of hunger.

Question 12

Drives serve to activate responses that are aimed at reducing the drive, thereby returning the body to a more balanced state called

Accepted Answer

Drives are motivational states that push an organism to take action to reduce the drive and return the internal environment to homeostasis, which is a state of balance and stability.

Question 13

Which of the following activities is inconsistent with drive reduction theory?

Accepted Answer

Drive reduction theory states that biological needs drive motivation to engage in behaviors that will reduce the arousal caused by the need. However, drinking water when not thirsty does not reduce any biological need or arousal, so it is inconsistent with drive reduction theory.

Question 14

According to drive reduction theory, what occurs each time a behaviour results in drive reduction?

Accepted Answer

According to drive reduction theory, drive is a state of tension or arousal that motivates us to act in ways that reduce this state of tension. Each time a behavior results in drive reduction, the tension is reduced, which is the goal of the behavior. Therefore, the correct answer is C, tension is reduced.

Question 15

The state of tension created by biological needs is called a(n) ______.

Accepted Answer

A drive is defined as the state of tension created by biological needs. This tension motivates us to take action to reduce the drive and satisfy the need. Impulses are specific, often sudden, urges to do something, while instincts are innate behaviors that are triggered by environmental stimuli. Emotions are subjective feelings that are often accompanied by physiological arousal.

Question 16

The tendency of the body to maintain a steady state of functioning is called

Accepted Answer

Homeostasis refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite fluctuations in external conditions. This can include temperature regulation, pH balance, and blood sugar levels. The concept of homeostasis is important in maintaining overall health and preventing disease.

Question 17

Which of the following is predicted by drive reduction theory?

Accepted Answer

Drive reduction theory suggests that our behavior is motivated by our biological needs and drives, such as hunger and thirst. Getting a glass of water when thirsty would be a behavior driven by the need to reduce the physiological drive of thirst.

Question 18

The tendency for our moods to adapt to external circumstances is known as

Accepted Answer

The tendency for our moods to adapt to external circumstances is known as hedonic treadmill. It refers to the idea that even after significant positive or negative events, our emotional states tend to return to a relatively stable level of happiness or satisfaction.

Question 19

Four psychology students, who have all attended equal numbers of classes and studied the same amount of time, are all about to take their final exam. According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, which student would perform the best?

Accepted Answer

The Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that an optimal level of arousal (not too low, not too high) enhances performance. Sampson, who is confident yet slightly nervous, likely has this optimal arousal level, which would position him for the best performance.

Question 20

Patti used to look forward to going out for dinner, because it was a rare treat when she was younger and couldn't afford to go out much. She would look forward to it for days, and it made her very happy. Now that she goes out for dinner regularly for work, she doesn't really think about it as a particularly important event and it doesn't have much effect on her happiness levels. Which of the following is illustrated by this example?

Accepted Answer

The example illustrates the concept of hedonic treadmill, which refers to the tendency for individuals to quickly return to a relatively stable level of happiness after experiencing positive or negative emotions. In this case, Patti's initial excitement and happiness about going out for dinner has diminished over time as it has become a routine part of her life.

Quiz 11: Emotion and Motivation