Question

Which model of motivation can be compared to the thermostat in your house? a. evolutionary b. drive-reduction c. optimal arousal d. hierarchical

Short answer

The drive-reduction model can be compared to a thermostat.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Thermostat Analogy

A thermostat in your house is designed to maintain a certain temperature by turning the heating system on or off. When the temperature drops below a set point, the thermostat activates the heater to increase the temperature. Similarly, when the temperature rises above the set point, the heater is turned off to cool down the environment. This indicates a regulatory mechanism aiming to maintain balance.

Analyzing Motivation Models

Review the motivation models: - The evolutionary model explains behaviors that increase chances of survival and reproduction. - The drive-reduction model suggests that physiological needs create an aroused state that drives behaviors to reduce that need. - The optimal arousal model proposes maintaining a desired level of arousal, where too little arousal can be unstimulating, and too much can be overwhelming. - The hierarchical model (Maslow's hierarchy) organizes needs from basic physiological ones to higher self-actualization needs, suggesting an ordered motivational structure.

Identifying the Correct Model

By comparing the models, the drive-reduction model is closest to the thermostat analogy. Both act to maintain equilibrium or homeostasis by addressing deficits: the thermostat with temperature and the drive-reduction model with physiological needs (for example, hunger or thirst leading to eating or drinking).

Key concepts

Thermostat Analogy

A thermostat is a simple yet effective tool used in homes to regulate temperature. It works by sensing the current temperature and switching the heating system on or off to maintain the desired set point. This process can be likened to self-regulatory systems in the human body, where the main goal is to maintain balance or equilibrium. Much like a thermostat, these systems continuously monitor and adjust variables such as body temperature, ensuring stability. This analogy is commonly used to explain the drive-reduction theory in motivation models, where equilibrium or homeostasis is maintained by fulfilling physiological needs.

Drive-Reduction Theory

The drive-reduction theory is a key concept in understanding how physiological needs drive behavior. When we experience discomfort due to unmet needs such as hunger or thirst, this creates a state of arousal or tension. To alleviate this tension, we take actions that fulfill the unmet need, thereby reducing the drive and returning to a state of balance.

Imagine feeling incredibly thirsty: this becomes a drive that motivates you to search for water to drink. Upon drinking, the thirst is quenched, and the drive is reduced, similar to how a thermostat turns off the heater once the desired temperature is restored. In essence, this theory highlights the motivational power of desires to fulfill physiological needs to achieve homeostasis.

Homeostasis

Homeostasis is a crucial biological concept that refers to the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, regardless of changes in the external environment. It involves numerous automatic processes that balance things like temperature, pH, and glucose levels.

For motivation, homeostasis is fundamental. It ensures that any deviation from balance, such as nutrient deficiency, triggers behaviors to restore equilibrium. This regulatory process aligns well with the drive-reduction theory, where behaviors are initiated by physiological imbalances and aim to re-establish a stable internal state, much like a thermostat resetting the temperature.

Physiological Needs

Physiological needs are the most basic requirements for human survival. These include essentials like air, water, food, shelter, and sleep. These needs form the foundation of Maslow's hierarchy of needs and serve as the primary motivators for human behavior.

When physiological needs are unmet, they create an internal drive—similar to a thermostat detecting a drop in temperature and activating the heater. This drive prompts actions to satisfy these needs. In terms of motivation, fulfilling physiological needs is vital for maintaining homeostasis, as they are indispensable for life and well-being. Addressing these needs is often the first step toward achieving higher levels of personal development and satisfaction.