Psychology 1000 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Clark L. Hull, Motivation, The Human Instinct

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Dr.Mike

Document Summary

A process that influences the direction, persistence, and vigour of goal-directed behaviour. Psychologists who study this identify factors that move us toward our goals. Inherited predisposition to behave in a specific and predictable way when exposed to a particular stimulus. Genetic basis, found universally among all members of species. Human instinct theories faded because there was little evidence to support them and they often relied on circular reasoning. Now scientists use twin and adoption studies to find differences in motivation. Psychological motives have evolutionary underpinnings expressed through actions of genes. Adaptive significance of behaviour is key to understanding motivation. We are social creatures because affiliation produced survival advantages (shared resources and protection) Physiological disruptions to homeostasis produce drives - states of internal tension that motivate an organism to behave in ways that reduce this tension. Reducing drives is the ultimate goal of motivated behaviour.