Physiology of Motivated Behaviors

Unit 1 – Motivated Behaviors: Physiological Foundations

Unit 2 – Neural Communication in the Brain

Unit 3 – Neurotransmitters & Hormones in Motivation

Unit 4 – Homeostasis and Drive Reduction Theory

Unit 5 – Hunger and Eating Behaviors

Unit 6 – Thirst and Drinking Behaviors

Unit 7 – Reproduction and Sexual Motivation

Unit 8 – Stress: Arousal and Coping Mechanisms

Unit 9 – Reward Systems and Addiction

Unit 10 – Emotions and Emotional Regulation

Unit 11 – Sleep and Circadian Rhythms

Unit 12 – Learning & Memory in Motivated Behaviors

Unit 13 – Social Motivation & Affiliation

Unit 14 – Motivation Disorders: Physiological Basis

Unit 15 – Research Methods in Physiology of Motivation

## What do you learn in Physiology of Motivated Behaviors

Explore the biological basis of motivation and behavior. Delve into neural circuits, hormones, and neurotransmitters that drive our actions. Examine how physiological processes influence hunger, thirst, sex, aggression, and reward-seeking behaviors. Learn about the interplay between brain systems and environmental factors in shaping motivation.

## Is Physiology of Motivated Behaviors hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to the neuroscience side of psychology. There's a lot of brain anatomy and complex physiological processes to wrap your head around. But if you're into understanding why we do what we do, it's super interesting and that makes it easier to digest. Just be ready for some heavy bio content mixed with psych concepts.

## Tips for taking Physiology of Motivated Behaviors in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram for exams and quizzes 🌶️
2. Draw diagrams of neural circuits to visualize complex pathways
3. Create mnemonics for neurotransmitters and their effects
4. Watch "Inside Out" for a fun take on emotions and motivation
5. Read "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers" by Robert Sapolsky for stress physiology
6. Form study groups to discuss real-life examples of motivated behaviors
7. Use flashcards for brain regions and their functions in motivation

## Common pre-requisites for Physiology of Motivated Behaviors

1. Introduction to Psychology: Covers the basics of human behavior and mental processes. You'll get a broad overview of different psych subfields.

2. Neurobiology: Focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system. This class dives deep into neurons, synapses, and brain organization.

3. Behavioral Neuroscience: Explores how the brain influences behavior. You'll learn about neural mechanisms underlying various psychological phenomena.

## Classes similar to Physiology of Motivated Behaviors

1. Cognitive Neuroscience: Examines brain mechanisms behind cognitive processes like memory, attention, and decision-making. You'll learn about brain imaging techniques and cognitive models.

2. Psychopharmacology: Studies how drugs affect the brain and behavior. This course covers the mechanisms of action for various psychoactive substances.

3. Affective Neuroscience: Focuses on the neural basis of emotions and mood. You'll explore how the brain processes and regulates emotional experiences.

4. Neuroendocrinology: Investigates the interaction between the nervous system and hormones. This class covers how hormones influence behavior and cognition.

## Majors related to Physiology of Motivated Behaviors

1. Neuroscience: Combines biology and psychology to study the nervous system. Students learn about brain structure, function, and how it relates to behavior and cognition.

2. Biopsychology: Focuses on the biological basis of psychological processes. Students explore the intersection of biology, behavior, and mental processes.

3. Cognitive Science: Interdisciplinary field studying the mind and its processes. Students learn about perception, language, memory, and artificial intelligence.

4. Behavioral Neuroscience: Examines the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. Students study how the brain and nervous system influence various behaviors and mental states.

## What can you do with a degree in Physiology of Motivated Behaviors?

1. Research Scientist: Conduct experiments to understand the neural basis of motivation and behavior. You might work in a university lab or for a pharmaceutical company developing new treatments.

2. Neuropsychologist: Assess and treat patients with brain injuries or neurological disorders. You'll use your knowledge of brain-behavior relationships to help diagnose and rehabilitate patients.

3. Addiction Counselor: Help individuals struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addictions. Your understanding of reward systems and motivated behaviors will be crucial in developing treatment plans.

4. Neuromarketing Consultant: Apply knowledge of motivation and decision-making to consumer behavior. You'll help companies understand how the brain responds to marketing stimuli and design more effective campaigns.

## Physiology of Motivated Behaviors FAQs

1. How much math is involved in this course? While there's not heavy math, you'll need to understand basic statistics for research papers and maybe some calculations related to neurotransmitter levels or action potentials.

2. Can this course help me understand my own behaviors better? Absolutely! You'll gain insights into the biological drivers behind your own motivations and behaviors, which can be pretty eye-opening.

3. Is animal research discussed in this class? Yes, a lot of our understanding comes from animal studies. You'll learn about classic experiments and how they relate to human motivation and behavior.

Psychology

1.2 Historical perspectives and key theories

1.3 Biological basis of motivation

1.4 Research methods in physiological psychology

1.1 Defining motivated behaviors and physiological psychology

2.1 Structure and function of the nervous system

2.4 Brain regions involved in motivated behaviors

2.3 Synaptic transmission and neural circuits

2.2 Neurons and glial cells

3.1 Major neurotransmitter systems

3.2 Neuroendocrine system and hormone function

3.3 Neurotransmitter-hormone interactions in motivation

3.4 Pharmacological influences on motivated behaviors

4.1 Principles of homeostasis and allostasis

4.2 Drive reduction theory and its limitations

4.3 Physiological mechanisms of homeostatic regulation

4.4 Non-homeostatic influences on motivation

5.1 Physiological mechanisms of hunger and satiety

5.3 Psychological and environmental influences on eating

5.4 Eating disorders and their physiological basis

5.2 Neural and hormonal regulation of appetite

6.1 Physiological mechanisms of thirst

6.2 Neural and hormonal regulation of fluid intake

6.3 Disorders of fluid balance and drinking behavior

7.2 Neural mechanisms of sexual motivation and arousal

7.3 Evolutionary perspectives on reproductive behaviors

7.4 Sexual orientation and gender identity

7.1 Hormonal influences on sexual development and behavior

8.1 Physiological stress response and the HPA axis

8.2 Acute vs. chronic stress effects on the body and brain

8.4 Stress-related disorders and their physiological basis

8.3 Coping strategies and stress management

9.1 Neural circuitry of reward and reinforcement

9.2 Dopamine and other neurotransmitters in addiction

9.3 Physiological mechanisms of drug tolerance and withdrawal

9.4 Behavioral and cognitive aspects of addiction

10.2 Theories of emotion and motivation

10.3 Emotional regulation strategies and their effectiveness

10.4 Disorders of emotional regulation

10.1 Neural and physiological basis of emotions

11.1 Physiological mechanisms of sleep and wakefulness

11.2 Circadian rhythms and their regulation

11.3 Sleep disorders and their impact on motivation

11.4 Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive and emotional functioning

12.1 Neural mechanisms of learning and memory

12.2 Reinforcement learning and motivation

12.3 Memory systems involved in motivated behaviors

12.4 Cognitive biases in motivation and decision-making

13.3 Social cognition and motivation

13.4 Cultural influences on social motivation

13.1 Evolutionary and biological basis of social behavior

13.2 Neurobiology of attachment and bonding

14.4 Schizophrenia and motivational deficits

14.1 Depression and anhedonia

14.3 Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders

14.2 Anxiety disorders and avoidance behaviors

15.3 Animal models in motivation studies

15.2 Neuroimaging techniques and their applications

15.1 Experimental design in motivation research

15.4 Ethical considerations in physiological psychology research

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