27 exam-style questions on Motivation and behaviour — topic HLE.2 of HL lenses (applied across all four Contexts) in the IB Psychology syllabus — with answers and explanations. Samples below; the full set is free with an account.
In self-determination theory (Deci & Ryan), which set of three needs is proposed to underlie intrinsic motivation?
Answer: Autonomy, competence, relatedness
Self-determination theory proposes autonomy, competence and relatedness as the three innate psychological needs supporting intrinsic motivation.
The finding that offering an external reward for an already-enjoyable activity can reduce later intrinsic motivation is known as the:
Answer: Overjustification effect
The overjustification effect (Lepper et al.) shows that extrinsic rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation for a task that was previously enjoyed for its own sake.
According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, performance on a complex task is best when arousal is:
Answer: Moderate
The Yerkes-Dodson law describes an inverted-U relationship: moderate arousal optimises performance, and the optimum is lower for complex than for simple tasks.
In Weiner's attribution theory of achievement motivation, attributing failure to 'lack of ability' rather than 'lack of effort' is problematic mainly because ability is seen as:
Answer: Internal and stable
Ability is an internal, stable and uncontrollable attribution, so attributing failure to it reduces expectancy of future success and can produce learned helplessness.
Dweck's research on mindset suggests that praising a child for 'being smart' rather than for 'working hard' tends to:
Answer: Promote a fixed mindset and avoidance of challenge
Dweck found that praising ability encourages a fixed mindset, leading children to avoid challenging tasks that might threaten the 'smart' label; praising effort supports a growth mindset.
Which brain structure and neurotransmitter pairing is most central to the biological reward pathway underlying motivation?
Answer: Nucleus accumbens (mesolimbic pathway) and dopamine
The mesolimbic dopamine pathway, projecting to the nucleus accumbens, is the core reward circuit implicated in incentive motivation and 'wanting'.
That was 6 of 27 Motivation and behaviour questions.
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27 Motivation and behaviour questions — free with an account. Spaced repetition, streaks and full exam simulations included.
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