PS102 Study Guide - Final Guide: Baby Food, Primitive Reflexes, Emotion Classification
Document Summary
Over years, researchers have devised numerous theories to explain human behaviour. No single theory has been able to provide a complete explanation of what motivates us: instinct theory. Instinct theory maintains behaviours originate a set of behavioural blueprints or instincts. Instinctive behaviours are inborn & activated by particular environmental stimuli: instincts are inborn behavioural tendencies, activated by stimuli in environment. Birds that do not have to learn where & when to fly when a seasonal change occurs. Humans are also naturally motivated to form social contacts: babies are born with a well-developed sense of smell that helps them recognize the particular scent of their mothers, as adults we seek romantic love. Instinct theory doesn"t account for all behaviour: has trouble explaining differences amongst individuals (e. g. some of us seek out, drive reduction theory experiences that others avoid because they are dangerous/painful) Tries to explain motivation on the basis of internal biological factors.
