BEHV 3014 Motivation and Emotion
Credit Points 10
Legacy Code 101678
Coordinator Tim Marsh Opens in new window
Description The study of motivation and emotion explores the reasons behind people's behaviours, thoughts, and feelings. This subject examines core research and theory on motivational and emotional systems, exploring how these systems function in general and how that functioning varies due to gender, culture, and other sources of difference. Concepts of motivation and emotion are central to understanding human psychology. The subject positions the topic in relation to other areas of psychological theory (such as learning theory, social psychology, personality, and cognition), investigates its role in psychological practice, and addresses its impact upon practical and philosophical debates within the discipline. Students are encouraged to explore and reflect upon the role of motivational systems in their own lives.
School Psychology
Discipline Behavioural Science
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 4 10cp
Check your fees via the Fees page.
Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject
Pre-requisite(s) BEHV 1016 AND
BEHV 1018
Restrictions
Note that only students enrolled at WSU Online may register in the WSU Online subjects offered at that location.
Assumed Knowledge
Basic understanding of core concepts of personality, learning theory, biological, social and developmental psychology.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Identify and explain the major concepts and key research findings in the study of motivation and emotion.
- Evaluate psychological phenomena using motivational concepts and theories.
- Differentiate biological and environmental factors behind individual variation in motivational functioning, including the roles of gender and culture.
- Critique assumptions and perspectives on the role of motivation and emotion theory in controversial psychological debates.
- Distinguish scientific evidence over opinion to explain and analyse human behaviour.
- Reflect upon factors impacting one's own motivation, including the role of gender and cultural background.
Subject Content
1. Motivational systems:
- Reflexes
- Instincts
- Sensory sensations
- Drives
- Arousal mechanisms
- Basic emotions
- Social emotions
2. Sources of relevance judgement
- Evolutionary theory
- Learning
- Cognition
- Decision making
3. Motivation and core psychological debates
- The innate vs. acquired (nature/nurture) debate
- The free-will vs. determinism debate
4. Application to practice:
- Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis
- Introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Reflections on culture and gender
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
Type | Length | Percent | Threshold | Individual/Group Task | Mandatory |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quiz | 12 x 5-question quizzes | 10 | N | Individual | Y |
Case Study | 2,000 words | 40 | N | Individual | Y |
Log/Workbook | 2 x 500 words | 40 | N | Individual | Y |
Quiz | 12 x 5-question quizzes | 10 | N | Individual | N |
Teaching Periods
WSU Online TRI-1 (2024)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
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Spring (2024)
Bankstown City
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
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Penrith (Kingswood)
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
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Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
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WSU Online TRI-3 (2024)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Rosalind Priestman Opens in new window
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WSU Online TRI-2 (2025)
Wsu Online
Online
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Spring (2025)
Bankstown City
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Penrith (Kingswood)
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window
View timetable Opens in new window
Parramatta - Victoria Rd
On-site
Subject Contact Tim Marsh Opens in new window