Which term describes a generalized state of readiness precipitating or motivating an activity, usually created by deprivation or negative stimuli?

Which term describes a generalized state of readiness precipitating or motivating an activity, usually created by deprivation or negative stimuli?

• A. Drive
• B. Boredom Susceptibility
• C. Broaden-and-Build Theory of Emotion
• D. Experience Seeking

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is drive—the internal motivational state that arises when a need is unmet or a negative stimulus creates discomfort. This generalized readiness energizes and directs behavior toward reducing that unpleasant state, essentially pushing you to take actions that will restore balance. For example, hunger creates a drive to seek and eat food, and pain or fear can motivate you to avoid or escape something aversive. This concept captures why deprivation or negative stimuli trigger action: they generate a motivational charge aimed at relief. Other options describe different constructs—boredom susceptibility is about how easily one gets bored, not a broad driving force; the Broaden-and-Build Theory concerns how positive emotions expand our cognitive and behavioral repertoire; experience seeking refers to a trait-like tendency to pursue novel sensations. None of these capture the general internal push to act created by deprivation or aversive states the way drive does.

The main idea being tested is drive—the internal motivational state that arises when a need is unmet or a negative stimulus creates discomfort. This generalized readiness energizes and directs behavior toward reducing that unpleasant state, essentially pushing you to take actions that will restore balance. For example, hunger creates a drive to seek and eat food, and pain or fear can motivate you to avoid or escape something aversive. This concept captures why deprivation or negative stimuli trigger action: they generate a motivational charge aimed at relief. Other options describe different constructs—boredom susceptibility is about how easily one gets bored, not a broad driving force; the Broaden-and-Build Theory concerns how positive emotions expand our cognitive and behavioral repertoire; experience seeking refers to a trait-like tendency to pursue novel sensations. None of these capture the general internal push to act created by deprivation or aversive states the way drive does.