The big idea
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What moves us
Emotions signal what matters to us; motivation drives us toward our goals.
Psychology · Lesson 6
Emotion and Motivation
beginner⏱ 13 min · 8 cards
Key idea
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Intrinsic vs. extrinsic?
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Two motivations
Intrinsic — doing something for its own reward; extrinsic — doing it for an outside reward like money or grades.
Trace the loop
The motivation cycle
A gap or lack appears — hunger, curiosity, a goal you care about.
Intrinsic: practicing music because playing it feels rewarding in itself.
Step through the loop, and toggle intrinsic vs. extrinsic.
A starter set
Basic emotions
Tap each.
Nuance
Take it with you
Maester Note
Emotions aren’t the enemy of reason — they’re data about what you value.
Recap
Key takeaways
- ✓Emotions combine physiology, experience, interpretation, and action tendency.
- ✓The same bodily state can be read as different emotions.
- ✓Extrinsic rewards can crowd out intrinsic interest when they feel controlling.
- ✓Autonomy, competence, and relatedness sustain motivation.
- ✓Habits, feedback, meaning, and environment beat willpower.
Quick check
Psychology is best defined as…
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