Final Post

I really enjoyed reading about Motivation. I had no idea about all the topics that fall under the umbrella of motivation and their significance. It all makes sense now that I have read the book. Human beings and animals are complex beings which would only make sense for all the different reasons of motivation. Sensation seekers, introverts, extroverts and addiction, drives, and coping techniques. Although I stated that human beings are complex in regards to drives, needs, how they deal with stress(problem-focused or emotional focused coping), we are the same in some regards as well. We all have the innate ability of thirst, hunger, eating and homeostasis. We all have the ability to express emotions such as smiling, crying, anger, and laughter.

My favorite section of the book is chapter 9. "Personality and Self in Motivation". I have always enjoyed learning about genetics as well as nature vs nuture.

I find it very interesting learning about people's personality and tempermant traits. In my opinion, this is most of the time the determining factor of personal decision making such as sensation seekers, goals, and self esteem and/or concept. Of course environmental factors come into play as well.

I find this chapter mostly interesting because one of my goals is to get my master's in neuroscience. Sensation seeking was one of my favorite characterstics of personality. This trait, "is based on inherited differences in the central nervous system and in the brain chemistry"(pg 216). There is a lack of MAO to breakdown neurotransmitters(seratonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). This subject also intrigues me because I am currently taking a class that pertains to mental disorders such as bi-polar. Many of the characteristics of sensation seeking such as "experience seekers" and "Thrill and adventure seeking" remind me of the mania that some bi-polar victims experience.

Another chapter that I found important is chapter 11, "Goal Motivation". I found it interesting to read about individual level of aspirations. When one achieves a goal it is a one time deal where as incentives are reoccurring, such as wages or food. Goals can be a test of self-efficacy.

The details in the book "Motivation" are experienced by everyone, everyday. But how often do we analyze the effects and causes of our motivation. This class has definitely created several "a-ha" moments for me.