Social Motives
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AP Psychology › Social Motives
When a person's self-esteem is at stake, they have a tendency to compare themselves to others who are in even worse positions. This is a defensive technique known as __________.
downward social comparisons
upward social comparisons
reflected glory
affiliation glory
None of these answers are correct
Explanation
Downward social comparisons are defense mechanisms that present when people seek to preserve or defend their self-esteem. These mechanisms come in the form of comparing oneself to others who are worse off—less successful, less happy, or less fortunate.
Which of the following is an example of intrinsic motivation?
Personal satisfaction
Grades
Salary
College credits
Explanation
Personal satisfaction is an example of intrinsic motivation, since it is driven by internal rewards.
What is the affiliation motive?
A need to be with others.
A need to avoid illness.
A need to pursue intellectual enlightenment.
A need to belong to a professional organization.
A need to feel excluded.
Explanation
The affiliation motive is a need to be involved with others. This need is heightened when people feel like celebrating or feel anxious.
Sam would like to try out for the school swim team. He enjoys swimming and would like the opportunity to spend time with like-minded peers; however, he is concerned about the time commitment and is worried that it will interfere with his after school job. According to Kurt Lewin's classification of conflicts, what type of conflict is Sam experiencing?
Approach-avoidance
Approach-approach
Avoidance-avoidance
Multiple approach-avoidance
ambivalent
Explanation
Kurt Lewin classified conflicts based on whether they posed desirable or undesirable consequences. In an approach-approach conflict, a person is faced with two desirable options. For example, a person must choose between going to one of two restaurants that he enjoys. In an avoidance-avoidance conflict, a person is faced with two undesirable options. For example, a person has to decide between spending his afternoon cleaning or studying for an exam. In an approach-avoidance conflict, a person is faced with one option that has both desirable and undesirable consequences. In the case of this example, Sam is faced with both pros and cons associated with joining the swim team. In a multiple approach-avoidance conflict, there are several conflicts that pose both pros and cons. Last, the term ambivalent is not used in Lewin's classification.