There are several theories that seek to explain what psychologists call motivation. Give a description of at least three of them

What will be an ideal response?

* Instinct theory is a biological theory that explains motivation by focusing on unlearned, species-specific behaviors that are triggered by specific environmental events called releasing stimuli; this theory has limited, if any, application to human motivation.
* Drive-reduction theory proposes that an internal motivational state created by a physiological need is a drive, which activates more than one response; those responses that lead to a reduction in the drive tend to be strengthened.
* Optimum-level theories propose that we seek an optimum level of stimulation, which may vary from person to person.
* Cognitive theories focus on how we process and understand information; cognitive-consistency theory proposes that inconsistency in our beliefs and behaviors is unpleasant so we seek to reduce it.
* Incentive theories propose that we are pulled by the incentive or goal rather than pushed as per drive theory.
* Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that we must first satisfy lower, physiological needs before we move up the hierarchy to more social needs and finally to self-actualization.

Psychology

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The narrative method of conducting research involves:

a. measuring and comparing an aspect of individual behavior from at least two cultural groups. b. translating materials. c. reviewing a variety of narrative materials including stories (oral or written), diaries, letters, etc., and their analysis. d. talking with people.

Psychology

When students were held as "prisoners" in the Stanford prison study, how did they respond during the first days of the experiment? Why did the researchers end the study at Day 6, instead of Day 14 as initially planned?

What will be an ideal response?

Psychology