According to theories of emotion, if you are motivated by physiological needs to make a purchase, which theory best explains your behavior?

• A. James-Lange Theory
• B. Cannon-Bard Theory
• C. Drive Reduction Theory
• D. Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key concept of physiological needs in motivation, which refers to basic biological requirements such as hunger, thirst, or bodily comfort that drive behavior.
2. Step 2: Review the main theories of emotion and motivation: James-Lange Theory focuses on emotions arising from physiological responses; Cannon-Bard Theory suggests simultaneous emotion and physiological reaction; Schachter-Singer Two-Factor Theory emphasizes cognitive interpretation of arousal; Drive Reduction Theory explains motivation as the process of reducing internal physiological drives.
3. Step 3: Identify that Drive Reduction Theory specifically addresses motivation driven by physiological needs, proposing that behavior is motivated to reduce internal tension caused by unmet biological needs.
4. Step 4: Connect the behavior of making a purchase motivated by physiological needs to Drive Reduction Theory, as the purchase likely serves to satisfy or reduce a physiological drive (e.g., buying food to reduce hunger).
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the given options, Drive Reduction Theory best explains behavior motivated by physiological needs because it directly links motivation to the reduction of internal drives.