Motivation
1. The basic phenomenon of motivation:
a. We study motivation when we want to find out WHY organisms do what they do
b. Motivation is apparent in a pattern of actions, not just a single action
c. Motivation is apparent in goal-directed or purposeful behavior
2. A word on physical things versus theoretical constructs (or ideas)
3. Measurement of concepts – operational definitions
4. More biological motives: hunger, thirst, and sex. Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution.
5. Mechanisms of hunger and eating behavior:
a. Stomach contractions
b. Blood sugar levels
c. Taste of food
6. Less biological motives: Need Achievement.
7. Measuring motives: Projective tests
a. the Rorschach
b. the TAT.
8. Cultivating need for achievement in kids – warmth and affection!