Motive Markers Slides Motive Milestones
The "Big Kid" Theories of Why!
AP Psych // Unit 7
Born to Grow!
Instinct Theory
Behaviors are fixed and unlearned patterns. We start doing them without any help from Mommy or Daddy!
Evolutionary Theory
We do things that helped humans survive long ago. It's a very old pattern for staying safe!
I'm Feeling Hungry!
Drive-Reduction Theory
The Need
Physiological Deprivation
The Drive
Internal Tension
"I'm Hungry!"
Goal
Homeostasis
Balance Restored!
The "Just Right" Level
Arousal Theory
Motivation is about finding the perfect buzz. If we're bored, we find new toys! If we're too excited, we take a nap!
Yerkes-Dodson Law
We do our best work when we are moderately excited. Just enough to have big fun!
How I Do!
Excitement
Just Right!
The Adventurer!
Sensation Seeking
"I want to see what's over that hill!"
This is a trait for those who love new, intense, and complex discoveries. Big risks for big rewards!
Thrill
Fast Moves!
Novelty
Brand New!
Experience
New Places!
Variety
Never Same!
Big Work!
Grab your "Motive Milestone" worksheet. It's time to be a big kid and solve the motivation mystery!
Matchup
Discover
Create
Motive Matchup Worksheet Motive Milestones
Every Big Choice is a Big Discovery!
My Name:
Growth Date:
1
The Milestone Match
Match the big psychological theory to its core definition! Write the letter in the big kid blocks below.
1. Instinct Theory
A. We work to find the "just right" level of stimulation—not too bored, not too scared.
2. Drive-Reduction Theory
B. Patterns of behavior passed down from ancestors that helped our species survive.
3. Evolutionary Theory
C. Biological needs create tension (drives) that motivate us to return to balance.
4. Arousal Theory
D. A personality trait where we crave new, complex, and high-intensity adventures.
5. Sensation Seeking
E. Innate, fixed, and unlearned patterns of behavior common to an entire species.
2
Solving Big Adventures
A
"Caillou wants to ride the biggest roller coaster! He loves the fast speed and the way it makes his tummy feel all jumpy and excited."
Big Theory
B
"It's a quiet rainy day. Caillou is feeling restless and begins building a huge tower just because he wants to find something to do."
Big Theory
C
"Baby Rosie shows a rooting reflex when she's hungry, automatically turning her head towards a touch without ever being taught."
Big Theory
D
"Caillou's tummy is growling! He stops playing blocks right away to find Mommy and ask for some juice and a healthy apple."
Big Theory
3
My Own Big Kid Story!
Tell a 3-sentence story about Caillou. Show one theory working, but hide the name in the primary color block!
The Secret Milestone Theory:
Motive Mastermind Guide Big Kid Guide
Motive Mastermind
Facilitating the Journey of Growing Up
Unit 7: AP Psychology
The "Caillou" Theme Guide
Big Milestones
✓ Define and identify 5 key theories of motivation.
✓ Apply concepts to "Caillou-style" life scenarios.
✓ Illustrate the Yerkes-Dodson Law of optimal arousal.
Helping Hands
The Balance: Caillou whines when he has a Need (juice). This creates a Drive (whining). Once he gets juice, Homeostasis is restored. Simple!
Arousal: Use the slide example of the tricycle. Too slow? Bored. Too fast? Scared. Moderate speed? Just right!
Part 1: The Answer Blocks
E
Big Kid Block 1. Instinct Theory
C
Big Kid Block 2. Drive-Reduction
B
Big Kid Block 3. Evolutionary Theory
A
Big Kid Block 4. Arousal Theory
D
Big Kid Block 5. Sensation Seeking
Part 2: Adventure Insights
Scenario A
Sensation Seeking
"Caillou is seeking new, intense, and complex sensations (roller coaster, speed) just for the big kid rush!"
Scenario B
Arousal Theory
"Caillou is under-aroused (restless rainy day) and building blocks to reach an optimal level of fun."
Scenario C
Instinct Theory
"Baby Rosie's rooting reflex is an unlearned, automatic behavioral pattern common to all babies."
Scenario D
Drive-Reduction
"Growling tummy (need) → hunger tension (drive) → seeking juice (behavior) → balance (homeostasis)."
Part 3: Big Kid Story Rubric
Big Discovery (4)
Story perfectly captures the theory's "pattern" without naming it. Excellent use of Caillou's world!
Growing Up (2-3)
Scenario is correct but very simple. The "secret" theory is easy to solve with simple clues.
Tantrum (0-1)
Scenario explicitly names the theory or is confusing. Doesn't show clear motivation knowledge.
