SP - Affiliation and Achievement Lesson

Learning Targets:

• Recognize and describe key psychological and sociological evidence that demonstrates humans' intrinsic need for affiliation and belonging.
• Analyze how social networking platforms impact individual behaviors, social interactions, and self-perception.
• Understand the concept of achievement motivation and identify effective strategies to promote and sustain achievement motivation in various contexts.

Courtesy of the AP psychology course and exam description, effective fall 2024. (n.d.). Links to an external site.

 

Understanding Our Human Need to Belong

Our need to belong, also known as our affiliation need, is a fundamental human motivation that drives us to seek out connections and relationships with others. This need is deeply rooted in our biology and psychology, as humans are social beings who thrive on social interactions and connections. Most of us naturally gravitate towards forming enduring and close relationships with specific individuals, such as family members, close friends, or romantic partners. For example, a person may feel a strong sense of belonging and attachment to a close group of friends who provide support, understanding, and companionship in both good times and bad. This connection fulfills their need for belonging and contributes to their overall well-being and satisfaction in life.

Understanding Our Human Need for Affiliation

Social connections have played a vital role in the evolutionary success of our predecessors. These connections enabled individuals to establish bonds, improving their odds of survival and procreation and effectively raising their young. Influenced by these bonds, caregivers prioritized keeping their children nearby, providing them with solace and protection from potential threats. When we consider our personal experiences, we can think about the trusted friends with whom we freely share our triumphs and tribulations. Sharing good news with someone amplifies the joy and deepens the bond between friends. The presence of companionship encourages unity and teamwork, which are key components in fulfilling our social requirements.

According to the self-determination theory, individuals are driven by three fundamental needs: competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Our behaviors are self-determined when these needs are met, stemming from internal motivation. Intrinsic motivation arises from performing inherently rewarding or fulfilling activities, enhancing our sense of competence and autonomy. 

Extrinsically motivated behavior refers to actions driven by external factors such as rewards, punishments, or societal pressures. Individuals engaging in extrinsically motivated behaviors seek to obtain a specific outcome or avoid a negative consequence. Students may be extrinsically motivated to study for an exam not because they find the subject fascinating or personally rewarding but because they want to earn a good grade and praise from their parents or teachers. Unlike intrinsic motivation, which stems from personal enjoyment or fulfillment derived from the activity, extrinsic motivation is fueled by external incentives. A person who is intrinsically motivated to paint do so because they derive immense pleasure and satisfaction from the creative process. Painting brings them joy, allows them to express themselves artistically, and gives them a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. Their motivation stems from within, as they are driven by their passion for art and the gratification they experience while painting.

Understanding Motivational Conflicts: Lewin's Theory

Lewin's motivational conflicts theory suggests that individuals' choices can lead to conflicts that they need to resolve in order to stay motivated. These conflicts can fall into three main categories: approach-approach, where an individual must choose between two desirable options; approach-avoidance, where there are both positive and negative aspects to a single decision; and avoidance-avoidance, where one must decide between two undesirable outcomes. By understanding these types of conflicts, individuals can better comprehend the complexities of human motivation and decision-making processes.

Motivational conflict occurs when an individual is confronted with two or more competing goals or motives, each with both positive and negative aspects. This conflict can lead to indecision, anxiety, and stress. Psychologists have identified four diverse types.

Connecting and Social Networking

The rapid evolution of communication methods in the digital age has significantly altered the way teenagers interact and connect with others. Technology has revolutionized how adolescents engage with the world around them, from the widespread use of mobile phones to the prevalence of texting, instant messaging, and social networking platforms. This shift towards digital communication has led to a decline in traditional activities like face-to-face conversations, dating, driving, and reading among today's teens. While technology offers unprecedented connectivity and information-sharing opportunities, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on social skills, emotional intelligence, and the authenticity of relationships. As teenagers navigate this digital landscape, it is crucial for individuals, educators, and policymakers to carefully consider the balance between online and offline interactions, the implications for personal development, and the overall well-being of the younger generation in an increasingly digital world.

 

Creating a Healthy Balance

By incorporating these additional strategies into your daily routine, you can further enhance your ability to maintain a healthy balance between your real-world activities and online presence.

 

Achievement Motivation

Achievement motivation is the inner drive that compels individuals to seek noteworthy accomplishments, master new skills or concepts, gain control, and achieve high standards. Those with this motivation are often ambitious, energetic, and persistent. Studies indicate that self-discipline is a more reliable predictor of academic success than intelligence levels. This underscores the importance of discipline in refining and directing one's talents. Additionally, psychology recognizes the concept of grit, which entails the passion and perseverance shown in working towards long-term objectives. Students with grit are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks as they persist in pursuing their goals.

Unlike intelligence, which typically follows a bell curve pattern, achievement is not solely based on innate abilities. This underscores that success is influenced by more than just natural talent, emphasizing the importance of commitment, hard work, and persistence in achieving one's aspirations. By fostering achievement motivation through discipline and grit, individuals can strive towards greater achievements and personal development in various facets of their lives.

Imagine a high school student named Sarah, who is struggling with math, demonstrates discipline and grit by setting daily study goals, managing her time effectively, and persisting through challenges like failed quizzes. She embraces setbacks as learning opportunities, seeks feedback, adjusts her strategies, and ultimately achieves significant improvement in math through her unwavering commitment and perseverance.

 

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