Okay, so today I decided to tackle Module 31 of AP Psychology. I’ve been kinda putting off the whole motivation and emotion section, but it’s time to just get it done.
Getting Started
First, I grabbed my textbook and my trusty notebook. I like to take handwritten notes – I feel like it helps me remember things better than just typing them out. I also found a quiet spot in my house, away from distractions (which is mostly my little brother playing video games).
Diving In
I started by skimming through the module, just to get a general idea of what it was all about. It seemed to be mostly about different theories of motivation, like instinct theory, drive-reduction theory, and arousal theory. Honestly, some of it sounded a little… obvious? Like, we’re motivated by things that reduce our needs? Duh.
But then I started reading more carefully, and taking notes. I made sure to write down the key terms and definitions, and I tried to come up with my own examples for each theory. That’s where things got a little more interesting. For example, for arousal theory, I thought about how I always need to have some kind of background noise when I’m studying – total silence actually makes it harder for me to focus.
The Tricky Parts
There were a few parts that I found a little confusing. Like, the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. I mean, I get the basic idea, but sometimes it feels like there’s a lot of overlap. I spent some extra time on that section, and I even did a quick search online for some extra explanations. No external links though, I’m good to follow my own way.
Putting It All Together
- Instinct Theory: Fixed, unlearned patterns of behavior.
- Drive-Reduction Theory: We’re motivated to reduce physiological needs.
- Arousal Theory: We seek an optimal level of arousal.
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Some needs take priority over others.
After I felt like I had a pretty good grasp of the material, I went back and reviewed my notes. I also tried to quiz myself on the different theories and concepts. Then closed book and notebook to test myself really learn it.
All in all, it took me about two hours to really work through Module 31. Not too bad! I definitely feel like I have a better understanding of motivation now. Now, I move on to Module 32. Wish me luck!
