Question

Recall Information Give an example of a fixed action pattern. Why are fixed action patterns unable to explain motivation adequately?

Short answer

Fixed Action Patterns, such as a goose instinctively maneuvering an egg-like object back into its nest, cannot adequately explain motivation because they are rigid, automatic responses that lack the ability to adapt to changing circumstances or goals. Motivation, in contrast, is influenced by a broad range of factors and can change and adapt over time based on experiences, needs, and goals.

Step-by-step solution

Define Fixed Action Pattern

A Fixed Action Pattern (FAP) is a sequence of unlearned acts which is essentially unchangeable and usually carries out to completion, regardless of any changes in circumstances.

Provide an Example of a Fixed Action Pattern

An example of a Fixed Action Pattern is a goose's instinctive behavior when one of its eggs is outside of its nest. The goose will extend its neck and roll the egg back into the nest using its beak, even if the object is not a real egg. The action continues unabated until the 'egg' is returned to the nest, showcasing how this action pattern is fixed and unchangeable.

Analyze why Fixed Action Patterns cannot adequately explain motivation

Fixed Action Patterns are inherently rigid and lack the flexibility to adapt to changes in circumstances or goals. Motivation, on the other hand, is a multifaceted construct with cognitive, affective, and social dimensions. It can be influenced by a variety of factors including needs, desires, and goals. Also, these factors can change based on environmental inputs, personal growth, or learning experiences, which Fixed Action Patterns aren't equipped to handle.

Key concepts

Motivation in Psychology

In the realm of psychology, motivation refers to the driving forces behind people's actions, desires, and needs. It's essentially what pushes individuals to achieve goals, pursue interests and engage in behaviors. Motivation can stem from various internal states such as physiological needs or emotional desires, or from external factors like incentives or social pressures.

For instance, think of a student studying for an important exam. The motivation could be intrinsic, stemming from an internal desire to learn and succeed, or extrinsic, influenced by the prospect of earning a high grade or gaining parental approval. Unlike Fixed Action Patterns which are unlearned and unchangeable once initiated, motivation in humans is dynamic and can be developed or altered by learning, experiencing emotional growth, or adapting to new environments or social contexts.

Therefore, the understanding of motivation exceeds the explanation given by Fixed Action Patterns, as it encompasses a wide range of influences beyond innate or instinctive drives.

Unlearned Behavior

Unlearned behaviors, also known as innate behaviors, are actions that occur naturally without any intervention from learning or experience. These types of behaviors are instinctual and are often important for an organism's survival. For example, reflex actions such as a baby's grasp reflex or a sneeze are unlearned behaviors that occur in response to certain stimuli.

Similarly, Fixed Action Patterns (FAPs), like the egg-rolling behavior of a goose, are complex sets of unlearned behaviors that are species-specific. They are elicited by a very specific set of stimuli, known as sign stimuli or releasers. Once initiated, they typically run to completion regardless of changes in the environment, illustrating a lack of flexible decision-making typical in learned behaviors.

An essential distinction to make is that unlearned behavior is not subject to change through learning or experience, which fundamentally limits its capability to fully exemplify the concept of motivation as understood in psychological terms.

Instinctive Behavior

Instinctive behaviors are behaviors that are hardwired into an organism's biological makeup, allowing them to perform complex patterns of activity without prior experience or learning. These behaviors are often critical for survival and reproduction, allowing for quick and reliable responses to environmental challenges or opportunities.

Consider the migratory patterns of birds or the spawning of salmon; these instinctive behaviors are driven by biological cues and are performed the same way by all members of the species. Despite being complex and often appearing purposeful, they are not products of conscious thought or decision-making, but rather, they are automatic responses.

However, instinctive behavior, like Fixed Action Patterns, does not equate to motivation in its entirety. While instinct can impel an action, motivation encompasses a broader range of conscious and unconscious factors including emotions, cognitive processes, and social dynamics. This makes instinctive behavior too simplistic to capture the nuances of motivational psychology, which includes learning from past experiences, reassessing goals, and adapting to new information or changes.