The document discusses motivation in psychology and focuses on two options for further exploration: eating behavior/disorders and sexual motivation/orientation. For option A on eating disorders, it asks the reader to identify and describe biological and psychosocial factors that may influence disordered eating based on assigned readings. It also asks the reader to explain whether they view disordered eating as primarily biological or psychosocially based, justifying their response with evidence from sources.

1. Background
In psychology, Motivation refers to the forces that push and pull
us toward specific goals and behaviors. Motivation is generally
either internal (biological, cognitive) or external
(environmental, situational). In psychology, the study of
Motivation often focuses on biological behaviors, such as eating
and sexual expression, or achievement behaviors, such as
academics or career goals. Understanding how motivation works
is key to guiding others and encouraging the highest level of
performance.
Instructions
Choose one of the following options to explore:
Option A
:
Eating Behavior
and
Eating Disorders
Option B:
Sexual Motivation
and
Sexual Orientation
Option A:
Most psychologists focus on psycho-social aspects when
explaining the origin of disordered eating behavior; however,
there are also biological issues which may influence disordered
behavior. Explore the biological and psycho-social aspects of
disordered eating behavior by completing the following items.
Based on your assigned readings and videos this module,
identify some
biological
or
genetic
factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating
behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from biological

2. research of disordered eating behavior. (These may include
genes, brain functioning, metabolic, hormonal, etc.)
Based on your assigned readings and videos this module,
identify some
psychological
and
social/cultural
factors that may predispose someone to disordered eating
behavior. Describe two or more conclusions from psychological
or social research of disordered eating behavior. (These may
include personal issues, family issues, society, media, or
cultural issues.)
Based on your research, explain whether you view disordered
eating as primarily
biologically
based or
psycho-socially
based.
Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in
length (one paragraph for each item).
Do not simply state your opinion on these issues
; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources,
including your text. For help in citing sources, click on
Academic Resources under Course Home.
Option B:
Most psychologists believe that our sexual preferences and
orientation are largely determined by our biology. Explore the
biological and psycho-social aspects of sexual preference by
completing the following items.
Based on your assigned readings and videos this module,
identify some
biological
or
genetic
factors that influence sexual orientation behavior. Describe two
or more conclusions from biological research of sexual

3. orientation behavior. (These may include genes, brain
functioning, metabolic, and hormonal, etc.)
Based on your assigned readings and videos this module,
identify some
psychological
and
social/cultural
factors that may also influence
sexual orientation.
Describe two or more conclusions from psychological or social
research ofsexual orientation
.
(These may include personal issues, family issues, society,
media, or cultural issues.)
Based on your research, explain whether you viewsexual
orientation as primarily
biologically
based or
psycho-socially
based.
Your response should be approximately three paragraphs in
length (one paragraph for each item).
Do not simply state your opinion on these issues
; justify your response with evidence from scholarly sources,
including your text.
*For Prof Xavier ONLY