The approach to understanding motivation that suggests each person has an optimal level of tension is _____ theory.

• A. intrinsic
• B. arousal
• C. humanistic
• D. incentive

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of motivation in psychology, which refers to the processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors.
2. Identify the key theories of motivation: intrinsic, arousal, humanistic, and incentive. Each theory offers a different perspective on what drives human behavior.
3. Focus on the 'arousal theory' of motivation. This theory suggests that people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, which is a state of alertness and mental and physical activation.
4. Understand that according to arousal theory, individuals seek to increase or decrease their level of arousal to achieve a state that is comfortable for them. This can explain why some people seek excitement while others prefer calmness.
5. Differentiate arousal theory from other theories: Intrinsic motivation involves engaging in behavior because it is personally rewarding, humanistic theory emphasizes personal growth and self-fulfillment, and incentive theory focuses on external rewards as motivators.