PSYC 1001 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Fixed Action Pattern, Parachuting, Ethology

• School: Memorial University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 1001
• Professor: markherbert

Document Summary

Motivation: an internal state or condition that energizes and directs behaviour. Motivation is goal orientated and varies in strength and duration. Instinct theory: drive-reduction theory (optimal) arousal theory. Behaviours originate from behavioural blueprints or instincts. Instincts: inborn behavioural tendencies activated by stimuli in our environments. Many of our own basic motives are inborn: such as eating which is present at birth. Problems with this theory: would never learn or remember anything if all behaviour in animals was innate, does(cid:374)"t e(cid:454)plai(cid:374) differe(cid:374)(cid:272)es a(cid:373)o(cid:374)g individuals, na(cid:373)es (cid:271)eha(cid:448)iour does(cid:374)"t e(cid:454)plai(cid:374) it, some behaviours defy evolution (sky diving) Tinbergin (ethologist): instinctive behaviours do occur in nature (aka fixed action pattern: behaviour must have a fixed pattern. Homeostasis: tendency to maintain a steady or balanced internal state: body temperature, energy levels, water levels. If an external factor messes up internal homeostasis a motivation is created to fix the balance: starvation results in a hunger drive that results in eating.