Motivation, Emotion and Intelligence
This domain tests theories of why behaviour is energised, how emotion arises, and how intelligence is defined and measured.
Motivation
Motivation energises and directs behaviour. Drive-reduction theory holds that a biological need creates a drive that is reduced by satisfying the need. Arousal theory says each task has an optimal level of arousal. Maslow's hierarchy runs from physiological needs through safety, belonging and esteem to self-actualisation, with lower needs usually met first but not rigidly so. Intrinsic motivation arises from interest; extrinsic from external reward, and heavy rewards can undermine intrinsic interest.
Emotion
Emotion has physiological arousal, expressive behaviour and subjective experience.
- James–Lange: bodily arousal comes first and the emotion is the perception of it.
- Cannon–Bard: arousal and emotion occur simultaneously.
- Schachter–Singer two-factor: arousal plus a cognitive label produces the emotion.
Intelligence
Spearman proposed a general factor g plus specific abilities s; Thurstone listed primary mental abilities; Gardner argued for multiple intelligences; Sternberg's triarchic theory separates analytical, creative and practical intelligence. The ratio IQ is (mental age ÷ chronological age) × 100; deviation IQ compares a person with age norms, mean 100 and standard deviation 15. Emotional intelligence covers perceiving, using, understanding and managing emotions.
Worked example
A speaker's heart races before going on stage. If he labels the arousal 'excitement' rather than 'fear', the two-factor theory predicts a different emotional experience, because the label shapes the emotion. James–Lange would not need the label - the arousal itself would already be the emotion.
Traps
Treating Maslow's hierarchy as a strict law; confusing Gardner's intelligences with IQ scores; forgetting that IQ tests sample a limited range of mental abilities.