Psych Unit 6 FA Dummy 2, 2025-26

A psychologist observes that when people experience a need (like cold), they take action (like putting on a jacket) to restore equilibrium. This is most consistent with

• Expectancy Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Self-Determination Theory

• Optimal Arousal Theory

A patient recovering from surgery experiences discomfort due to lack of food. Their increasing effort to request meals from staff supports which motivational theory?

• Incentive Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Cognitive Theory

• Evolutionary Theory

The theory of motivation that suggests people are driven to maintain a balanced level of mental and physical activation is called

• Incentive Theory

• Arousal Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Hierarchy of Needs

Which theory proposes that individuals are motivated to avoid boredom and overstimulation by maintaining a preferred level of alertness?

• Arousal Theory

• Instinct Theory

• Expectancy Theory

• Cognitive Evaluation Theory

Arousal Theory is best defined as

• A motivation theory focused on reducing internal tension caused by unmet biological needs

• A theory suggesting people seek to meet basic survival needs first

• A theory stating that people are motivated to maintain optimal levels of alertness and activation

• A theory emphasizing how behavior is influenced by rewards

Which theory explains why people might skydive to avoid feeling under-stimulated?

• Incentive Theory

• Arousal Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Psychodynamic Theory

What motivation theory explains why some people seek excitement while others avoid intense situations?

• Arousal Theory

• Instinct Theory

• Maslow’s Hierarchy

• Reinforcement Theory

The theory of motivation that focuses on finding the right level of stimulation to avoid boredom or stress is

• Arousal Theory

• Incentive Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Trait Theory

A study found that participants in a low-stimulation environment performed worse on puzzles than those in a moderately stimulating room. This supports which theory?

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Arousal Theory

• Humanistic Theory

• Cognitive Dissonance Theory

A student listens to music while studying because silence makes them too drowsy, but loud noise is distracting. This behavior is best explained by

• Expectancy Theory

• Drive-Reduction Theory

• Arousal Theory

• Operant Conditioning