Optimum arousalOptimum arousal

We’re We’re motivated motivated by more by more than needsthan needs

Curiosity (because it’s there)Stimulation (too little is boring, too much is stressful)

Not all behaviors achieve homeostasis or Not all behaviors achieve homeostasis or fulfill a need-based drivefulfill a need-based drive

Despite having biological needs satisfied, Despite having biological needs satisfied, we feel driven to experience stimulationwe feel driven to experience stimulation

Everyone has an “optimal level” of arousalEveryone has an “optimal level” of arousal Optimal level is different for everyone and Optimal level is different for everyone and

situationalsituational

Yerkes-Dodson Law*Yerkes-Dodson Law*

Maslow’s hierarchy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needsneeds

PhysiologicalPhysiological

Maslow’s hierarchy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needsneeds

Safety and SecuritySafety and Security

Maslow’s hierarchy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needsneeds

Belongingness and loveBelongingness and love

Maslow’s hierarchy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needsneeds

Esteem (recognition, respect, Esteem (recognition, respect, achievement)achievement)

Maslow’s hierarchy of Maslow’s hierarchy of needsneeds

Self-actualizationSelf-actualization

Cognitive ConstancyCognitive ConstancyCognitive DissonanceCognitive Dissonance

Beliefs that are in Beliefs that are in opposition often opposition often produce conflict produce conflict (cognitive (cognitive dissonance)dissonance)

Dick Cheney video

Behaviors counter to Behaviors counter to beliefs produce conflictbeliefs produce conflict

The individual is The individual is motivated to reduce motivated to reduce the tension created the tension created by conflictby conflict

Tension reduced by Tension reduced by changing or changing or modifying beliefs modifying beliefs

Tension reduced by Tension reduced by changing or changing or modifying behaviormodifying behavior