What the exam asks
- Concept Application (MCQ): Identifying which theory best explains a character’s behavior (e.g., putting on a sweater vs. skydiving), classifying a choice using Kurt Lewin’s conflict types, or predicting task performance using the Yerkes-Dodson law.
- Research & Data (MCQ & AAQ): Interpreting graphs showing the inverted-U relationship between arousal and performance, or identifying how motivation variables are operationally defined in a study.
- Argumentation (EBQ): Using self-determination theory, incentive theory, or the Yerkes-Dodson law as your outside psychological concept in parts B(ii) or C(ii) to explain why study evidence supports your claim.
Core ideas
Biological and physiological theories
| Theory | Core Mechanism | Key Terms & Exam Nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Instinct Theory (Evolutionary) | Innate, unlearned, fixed patterns of behavior shared by an entire species. | Explains non-human animal behaviors (salmon spawning, migration, web-spinning). Humans do not show true instincts; beyond simple infant reflexes, human behavior is flexible and shaped by learning and cognition rather than rigid, fixed action patterns. |
| Drive-Reduction Theory | A physiological need (e.g., lack of water) creates an aroused psychological state of tension (drive, e.g., thirst) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need. | Aim is homeostasis (maintaining a balanced internal physiological state, such as body temperature or hydration). Explains biological survival behaviors, not curiosity or thrill-seeking. |
| Arousal Theory | People are motivated to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal—neither too low (boredom) nor too high (anxiety). | Yerkes-Dodson law: Performance peaks at moderate physiological arousal (an inverted-U curve). Simple or well-learned tasks peak at relatively higher arousal; complex, difficult, or novel tasks peak at lower arousal. |
| Sensation-Seeking Theory | Individual differences in optimal arousal levels lead some people to seek varied, novel, and intense experiences. | Four types (Zuckerman):1. Experience seeking: pursuing novel mental or sensory experiences (e.g., travel, unfamiliar art or cuisines).2. Thrill or adventure seeking: desiring physically risky outdoor activities (e.g., rock climbing, skydiving).3. Disinhibition: seeking release from social constraints through spontaneous social behaviors.4. Boredom susceptibility: strong intolerance for repetition, routine, or predictable people. |