Motivation and emotion/Tutorials/Physiological needs

Tutorial 03: Physiological needs
This is the third tutorial for the motivation and emotion unit of study.

Overview edit

This tutorial:

considers how different brain structures are involved in motivation and emotion
examines the motivational and emotional role of neurotransmitters and hormones
demonstrates how to make and record social contributions

Physiological aspects edit

Physiological aspects of motivational and emotional experiences include:

brain structures
hormones
neurotransmitters

Whilst each component serves particular functions, they also communicate (directly or indirectly) to work together dynamically and holistically.

The purpose of these mix and match activities below is to become familiar with the motivational and emotional functions of key brain structures, hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Brain structures edit

The cortex is wrapped over the phylogenetically older sub-cortical brain region.

The human brain has two anatomically and functionally distinct regions:

Sub-cortical: structures that operate largely unconsciously to monitor the environment and regulate responses.
Cortical: analyses information from sub-cortical pathways, sets goals, interprets the meaning of events, makes decisions, and modulates sub-cortical responses.

Activity 1

Form groups of 2 or 3. Number the groups.
Open this spreadsheet
Go to the spreadsheet tab which corresponds to your group number
Complete the mix and match activity as a group either by:
1. Dividing forces and working on separate structures or
2. Discussing each brain structure as a group and selecting the correct answer
If unsure, search for more information (e.g., the textbook) or discuss with the instructor. Repeat until all matches are correct.
Delete answers from first attempt and complete again (should be quicker).
If time allows, identify an interesting fact or feature about each brain structure that you can share with the class.

See also

Brain structures

Hormones and neurotransmitters edit

Ask and discuss:

What is a hormone?
What is a neurotransmitter?

Activity 2

Form groups of 2 or 3. Number the groups.
Open this spreadsheet
Go to the spreadsheet tab which correspondents to your group number
Complete the mix and match activity as a group either by:
1. Dividing forces and working on separate hormones and neurotransmitters or
2. Discussing each brain structure as a group and selecting the correct answer
Discuss each hormone and neurotransmitter and select the correct answer. If unsure, search for more information (e.g., in the textbook) or discuss with the instructor. Repeat until all matches are correct.
Delete answers from first attempt and complete again (should be quicker).
If time allows, identify an interesting fact or feature about each hormone or neurotransmitter that you can share with the class.

See also

Social contributions edit

Demonstration of how to make and record social contributions.

Recording edit

Tutorial 03 (2023)