NCERT Class 11 Psychology Introduction to Psychology: Chapter 8 — === page_13 (layout_surya) ===
This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of motivation and emotion in psychology. It begins by explaining the nature of human motivation, defining it as the force that "moves" behavior, derived from the Latin word 'movere' (to move). The text illustrates motivation through examples like Sunita's hard work for engineering exams, Hemant's mountaineering training, and Aman's savings for a gift. It introduces the motivational cycle, starting with a need (a deficit), which leads to a drive (arousal), prompting goal-directed behavior, and finally, drive reduction upon achieving the goal. The chapter outlines key topics including types of motives (biological and psychosocial), Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, the nature and expression of emotions, cultural influences on emotional expression and labeling, and strategies for managing negative and enhancing positive emotions. It also touches upon Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and examination anxiety. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending human behavior and well-being in CBSE curriculum.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Introduction to Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — === page_13 (layout_surya) === |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 559 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the nature of human motivation.
- Describe the nature of important motives.
- Describe the nature of emotional expression.
- Understand the relationship between culture and emotion.
- Learn how to manage personal emotions.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Motivation | The concept that explains what moves behavior; derived from Latin 'movere' (to move). |
| Motive | An underlying reason or stimulus that causes a behavior. |
| Need | A lack or deficit of some necessity. |
| Drive | Arousal resulting from a state of need. |
| Goal-directed behaviour | Actions undertaken to achieve a specific objective. |
| Incentives | External factors that motivate behavior. |
| Biological Motives | Innate drives related to survival and physical well-being. |
| Psychosocial Motives | Drives influenced by social interaction and psychological factors. |
| Emotion | Complex psychological and physiological states involving feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. |
| Examination Anxiety | Distress and apprehension related to academic tests. |
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Practice questions
- What does the term 'motivation' mean, and what is its origin? Answer: Motivation refers to the concept that explains what moves behavior. The term originates from the Latin word 'movere', meaning 'to move'.
- Explain the sequence of the motivational cycle. Answer: The motivational cycle begins with a need (deficit), leading to a drive (arousal), which prompts goal-directed behavior, culminating in drive reduction upon achieving the goal.
- Give examples of biological and psychosocial motives. Answer: Examples of biological motives include hunger and thirst. Examples of psychosocial motives include the need for achievement and affiliation.
- What is the role of goals in motivation? Answer: Goals provide direction for behavior and are the desired outcomes that individuals strive to achieve, persisting in their efforts until the goal is met.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The term 'motivation' is derived from the Latin word which means:
Explanation: The term motivation comes from the Latin word 'movere', which translates to 'to move'.
Q2. Which of the following is the first step in the motivational cycle?
Explanation: The motivational cycle begins with a 'need', which is a deficit or lack of something essential.
Q3. Which type of motive is related to survival and physical well-being?
Explanation: Biological motives are innate and essential for the survival and physical functioning of an organism.
Q4. Behavior that is directed towards achieving a specific objective is known as:
Explanation: Goal-directed behavior is the purposeful action taken by an individual to reach a desired outcome or goal.
Q5. According to the text, what is a 'drive'?
Explanation: A drive is the state of arousal that emerges from a need, prompting an individual to act.
Frequently asked questions
What is motivation according to the NCERT Class 11 Psychology textbook?
Motivation is the concept that explains what moves behavior, derived from the Latin word 'movere', meaning 'to move'. It involves needs, drives, goals, and incentives that guide our actions.
What are the key components of the motivational cycle?
The motivational cycle consists of a need (deficit), which leads to drive arousal, followed by goal-directed behavior, and finally, drive reduction upon achieving the goal.
What is the difference between a need and a drive?
A need is a lack or deficit of a necessity, while a drive is the arousal or state of tension that results from this need, prompting action.
What does the chapter say about emotions?
The chapter will cover the nature of emotions, their overt expressions, cultural influences on emotional expression and labeling, and techniques for managing emotions.
What are some examples of motivated behavior mentioned in the chapter?
Examples include Sunita's hard work for engineering exams, Hemant's training for a mountaineering expedition, and Aman saving money to buy a gift for his mother.
What is the significance of goal-directed behavior in motivation?
Goal-directed behavior is crucial as it represents the actions taken to satisfy a need or achieve a desired outcome, persisting until the goal is attained.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Psychology — Introduction to Psychology — Chapter 8 — === page_13 (layout_surya) ===. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.