Psychology Degree Motivation and Emotion 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theory of motivation proposes that behavior is driven by the need to reduce internal states of tension caused by biological needs?
- Incentive theory
- Drive reduction theory (Correct answer)
- Self-determination theory
- Expectancy theory
Correct answer: Drive reduction theory
Drive reduction theory, proposed by Clark Hull, suggests that biological needs create drives (tension states) that motivate behavior to restore homeostasis.
Question 2: Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs places which type of need at the highest level?
- Safety needs
- Esteem needs
- Self-actualization (Correct answer)
- Love and belonging
Correct answer: Self-actualization
Self-actualization, representing the fulfillment of one's full potential, sits at the peak of Maslow's five-level hierarchy of needs.
Question 3: According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, optimal performance is achieved at which level of arousal?
- The lowest possible arousal level
- The highest possible arousal level
- Moderate levels of arousal (Correct answer)
- Any level, regardless of task complexity
Correct answer: Moderate levels of arousal
The Yerkes-Dodson law states that performance peaks at moderate arousal levels, with too little or too much arousal impairing performance.
Question 4: Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in behavior primarily because:
- It yields external rewards or avoids punishments
- The activity itself is inherently rewarding (Correct answer)
- Social pressure from peers encourages it
- It fulfills a basic physiological need
Correct answer: The activity itself is inherently rewarding
Intrinsic motivation comes from internal rewards such as interest, enjoyment, or personal satisfaction derived directly from the activity itself.
Question 5: Which hormone produced by fat cells signals the hypothalamus to reduce hunger when energy stores are sufficient?
- Cortisol
- Leptin (Correct answer)
- Oxytocin
- Ghrelin
Correct answer: Leptin
Leptin, produced by adipose (fat) cells, acts as a satiety signal to the hypothalamus, suppressing appetite when energy reserves are adequate.
Question 6: The James-Lange theory of emotion proposes that:
- Emotions occur before physiological arousal
- Emotions and physiological arousal occur simultaneously
- Physiological arousal precedes and causes the subjective feeling of emotion (Correct answer)
- Cognitive appraisal alone determines emotional experience
Correct answer: Physiological arousal precedes and causes the subjective feeling of emotion
James-Lange theory holds that we first experience a physiological change (e.g., racing heart), and our interpretation of that change produces the subjective emotion.
Question 7: Self-determination theory identifies three basic psychological needs. Which of the following is NOT one of them?
- Autonomy
- Competence
- Relatedness
- Status (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Status
Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as the three core psychological needs — not status.
Psychology Degree Motivation and Emotion 1
Which theory of motivation proposes that behavior is driven by the need to reduce internal states of tension caused by biological needs?