Psychology 1000 Chapter Notes - Chapter 11: Thalamus, Somatic Theory, Limbic System

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 1000
• Professor: Laura Fazakas- De Hoog

Document Summary

Motivation is a process that influences the direction, persistence, and vigour of goal- Modern evolutionary psychologists propose that many psychological motives have evolutionary underpinnings that are expressed through the actions of genes. Body"s biological systems are delicately balanced to ensure survival. Incentives represent environmental stimuli that pull an organism toward a goal. Incentive theories focus attention on external stimuli that motivate behaviour, though historically the concepts and drives were often linked. Modern incentive theory emphasizes the pull of external stimuli and how stimuli with high incentive value can motivate behaviour, even in the absence of biological need. Psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives view motivation within the context of personality development and functioning. Along with conscious mental processes, unconscious motives and tensions guide how we act and feel. Humanist believed that we strive for personal growth. Distinguished between deficiency needs, which are concerned with physical and social survival, and growth needs, which are uniquely human and motivate us to develop our potential.