As Marcia took her place in the classroom on her first day of class, a familiar feeling surged inside of her. She found herself "scoping out the competition," considering topics for the "best in class" paper, and listening for an opportunity to add to class discussion on the first day. According to drive-reduction theory, Marcia:
a) will experience a reduction in her competitive drive if she does well on her first exam.
b) is presenting a secondary drive to compete.
c) will establish a homeostatic condition and be less competitive as the class progresses.
d) is presenting a primary drive to compete.
I think b.
Competing merely to excel would be a secondary drive.
so b is correct?
To determine the correct answer, let's first understand drive-reduction theory. Drive-reduction theory, proposed by Clark Hull and later expanded by Neal Miller and John Dollard, suggests that our behavior is driven by the need to satisfy physiological and psychological needs. According to this theory, when a need arises, it creates a drive or tension in us, motivating us to engage in activities that will reduce or satisfy that need.
In this scenario, Marcia's behavior of "scoping out the competition," considering topics for the "best in class" paper, and listening for an opportunity to add to class discussion can be interpreted as her drive to compete. Now let's analyze the options:
a) If Marcia does well on her first exam, it might lead to a sense of accomplishment, but it does not necessarily suggest a reduction in her competitive drive. Therefore, option a can be ruled out.
b) Marcia's behavior indicates a secondary drive to compete. A secondary drive is learned or acquired through associations and experiences. In this case, Marcia's competitive drive is not a primary physiological drive but rather a learned behavior. Therefore, option b seems plausible.
c) The theory of drive-reduction suggests that once a homeostatic condition is established, the drive for that particular need diminishes. However, in this scenario, there is no indication that the competitive drive will decrease over time. Therefore, option c is unlikely.
d) A primary drive is a basic biological or physiological need like hunger or thirst. Marcia's behavior of competing is not a primary drive because it does not directly address a physiological need. Therefore, option d is unlikely.
Based on the analysis above, it appears that option b, which states that Marcia is presenting a secondary drive to compete, aligns with the behavior described in the scenario. So, your answer of b seems to be correct.