AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Conclusion. Freud’s theory of drive amounts to a theory of instinct and tension reduction.

Detailed explanation-2: -Instinct and Tension Reduction is a theory of causation, or motivation, of behavior – causation from a behaviorist perspective, motivation from a mentalist perspective. The idea is that when an inherent instinct, such as a need for food, exceeds a threshold value we act to reduce the tension so caused.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Instinct Theory of Motivation views biological or genetic programming as the cause of motivation. This claim means that all humans have the same motivations due to our similar biological programming. This theory says that the root of all motivations is the motivation to survive.

Detailed explanation-4: -For example, Instinct Theory maintains that all our actions are fundamentally motivated by instincts. Drive Reduction Theory proposes that physiological needs prompt drives, or aroused states, that motivate us to lower the needs in order to maintain homeostasis, or a relatively constant internal state.

Detailed explanation-5: -The arousal theory of motivation establishes that individuals have an arousal level fit for them. Therefore, people seek out stimulation when these levels drop below their optimal level, and seek soothing or relaxing activities when their arousal level is too high.