Motivation
a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior
Instinct
a complex behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout a species and is unlearned
Drive-reduction Theory
the idea that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.
Homeostasis
a tendency to maintain a balanced or constant internal state; the regulation of any aspect of body chemistry, such as blood glucose, around a particular level
Incentives
a positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior
Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow's pyramid of human needs, beginning at the base with physiological needs that must first be satisfied before higher-level safety needs and then psychological needs become active
Glucose
the form of sugar that circulates in the blood and provides the major source of energy for body tissues. When its level is low, we feel hunger.
Set Point
the point at which an individual's "weight thermostat" is supposedly set. When the body falls below this weight, an increase in hunger and a lowered metabolic rate may act to restore the lost weight.
Basal Metabolic Rate
the body's resting rate of energy expenditure
Refractory Period
a resting period after orgasm, during which a man cannot achieve another orgasm
Estrogen
female sex hormone
Sexual Orientation
an enduring sexual attraction toward members of either one's own sex or the other sex
Anorexia Nervosa
an eating disorder in which a normal-weight person diets and becomes significantly underweight, yet, still feeling fat, continues to starve
Bulimia Nervosa
eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by efforts to limit digestion through induced vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise
Binge-eating Disorder
Significant eating episodes, followed by distress disgust, or guilt, but without the compensatory purging, fasting or excessive exercise.
Sexual Response Cycle
the four stages of sexual responding described by Matsters and Johnson-excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution.
Testosterone
male sex hormone
Sexual Disorder
a problem that consistently impairs sexual arousal or functioning
Achievement Motivation
a desire for significant accomplishment: for mastery of things, people, or ideas; for attaining a high standard
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
a subfield of psychology that studies and advises on workplace behavior.
Personnel Psychology
a subfield of I/O psychology that focuses on employee recruitment, selection, placement, training, appraisal, and development
Organizational Psychology
a subfield of I/O psychology that examines organizational influences on worker satisfaction and productivity and facilitates organizational change
Flow
a completely involved, focused state of consciousness, with diminished awareness of self and time, resulting from optimal engagement of one's skills
Structured Interviews
interview process that asks the same job-relevant questions of all applicants, each of whom is rated on established scales
Task Leadership
goal-oriented leadership that sets standards, organizes work, and focuses attention on goals
Social Leadership
group-oriented leadership that builds teamwork, mediates conflict, and offers support
Theory X
assumes that workers are basically lazy, error-prone, and extrinsically motivated by money and, thus, should be directed from above.
Theory Y
assumes that, given challenge and freedom, workers are motivated to achieve self-esteem and to demonstrate their competence and creativity.
Need to Belong
a motivation to bond with others in relationships that provide ongoing, positive interactions