In psychology, Motivation refers to the forces that push and pull us toward specific goals and behaviors. Motivation is generally either internal (biological, cognitive) or external (environmental, situational). In psychology, the study of Motivation often focuses on biological behaviors, such as eating and sexual expression, or achievement behaviors, such as academics or career goals. Understanding how motivation works is key to guiding others and encouraging the highest level of performance.

Instructions

Choose one of the following options to explore:

Option A: Eating Behavior and Eating Disorders

Option B: Sexual Motivation and Sexual Orientation

Option A: Most psychologists focus on psycho-social aspects when explaining the origin of disordered eating behavior; however, there are also biological issues which may influence disordered behavior. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of disordered eating behavior by completing the following items.

Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some biological or genetic factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include genes, brain functioning, metabolic, hormonal, etc.)

Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some psychological and social/cultural factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or cultural issues.)

Based on your research, explain whether you view disordered eating as primarily biologically based or psycho-socially based.
Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in length (one paragraph for each item). Do not simply state your opinion on these issues; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources, including your text. For help in citing sources, click on Academic Resources under Course Home.

Option B: Most psychologists believe that our sexual preferences and orientation are largely determined by our biology. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of sexual preference by completing the following items.
Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some biological or genetic factors that influence sexual orientation behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological research of sexual orientation behavior. (These may include genes, brain functioning, metabolic, and hormonal, etc.)

Based on your assigned readings and videos this module, identify some psychological and social/cultural factors that may also influence sexual orientation. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social research ofsexual orientation. (These may include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or cultural issues.)

Based on your research, explain whether you viewsexual orientation as primarily biologically based or psycho-socially based.
Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in length (one paragraph for each item). Do not simply state your opinion on these issues; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources, including your text. For help in citing sources, click on Academic Resources under Course Home.