Test: Motivation and Attitudes - 1 - MCAT MCQ

Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that individuals are motivated to fulfill their needs in a specific order, starting from basic physiological needs (e.g., food, water) to higher-level needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization.

The two-factor theory of emotion states that both physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal are necessary to experience emotion. Cognitive appraisal involves interpreting the situation and attaching meaning to it, which contributes to the subjective experience of emotion.

Intrinsic motivation refers to engaging in an activity because it is inherently rewarding, enjoyable, or interesting. The motivation comes from within the individual rather than external rewards or pressures.

The elaboration likelihood model proposes that attitudes can be changed through two different routes: central route processing and peripheral route processing. When individuals engage in central route processing, they carefully evaluate the logic and quality of persuasive messages, making attitude change more likely.

The self-determination theory posits that individuals have three basic psychological needs: autonomy (sense of control and choice), competence (feeling capable and effective), and relatedness (connection and belongingness). These needs support intrinsic motivation and optimal functioning.

Expectancy theory proposes that motivation is determined by an individual's expectations about their ability to perform a task successfully (self-efficacy) and the perceived value or attractiveness of the outcome (valence). It suggests that individuals are motivated when they believe their efforts will lead to desired outcomes.

Conformity refers to the change in attitudes or behaviors to match those of a group or social norm. It often occurs due to the desire for social acceptance or to avoid social rejection.

Psychoanalytic theory, proposed by Sigmund Freud, suggests that unconscious and instinctual drives, such as the pleasure principle and the sex drive, influence behavior and motivations. It emphasizes the role of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences in shaping behavior.

The drive reduction theory suggests that motivation arises from the need to reduce physiological arousal caused by unmet biological needs. When a need arises, it creates a state of tension or drive, and individuals are motivated to take actions that reduce that drive and restore homeostasis.

The self-serving bias refers to the tendency to attribute one's successes to internal factors (e.g., personal traits, abilities) and failures to external factors (e.g., situational factors, luck). It helps to maintain self-esteem and protect one's self-image.