MOTIVATION, DECISION-MAKING, AND THE BRAIN

This assignment aligns with the following course objectives: 4, 7, 9, & 10

MODULE OBJECTIVES:

You will use decision theories to describe and analyze the process you used to decide which major/career to pursue; and

you will describe the motivational factors leading to the major/career choice.  The ability to do so will be measured by the completion of the following tasks:

TASKS:

1. Please read this info regarding motivation.
2. Please watch the following video, which discusses motivation:

And this video, which discusses the brain (NOTE:  This was also part of earlier modules, so you may remember (hopefully) this content:

This module presents a different application of the brain content.  It is important to be able to explain the components of the brain involved in the decision-making process.

1. Please read the following additional information about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
2. Please read this article entitled “The Art of Decision Making”:

5. Think about the process you used to choose your major/career choice. If you have not as yet arrived at the decision, you can still discuss your process.

1. Please type a response to the following prompts (a through h) for this assignment:
   1. Please state your major/career or the major/career(s) you are considering.
   2. Describe the motivating factors that have led to this decision-these can include a variety of social factors (religion, race, ethnicity, social class, gender roles, etc.); economic factors; prestige (this is the social value attached to occupations).  Remember, to have not made the decision on a career as yet is still a decision.  Which intrinsic and extrinsic factors played a part in this decision?
   3. To what degree does drive theory play a part in this decision?  Be sure to apply the principles of that theory as described in the text to your description.
   4. Which of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs will be met by this decision?  Again, please be sure to address the needs as Maslow has described.
   5. Which of the following techniques from The New Yorker article did you use to make your decision-please be sure to use specific info from the article in your discussion (and cite accordingly);

Darwin’s/Franklin’s Pro-Con lists (or a variation of that)?  How do you weight the options?

A design charrette? If so, how did you break the decision down into component parts?

Scenario Planning/Decision Mapping? What variables were changed/added?

Full Spectrum Analysis? What factors were included?

Or did you “drift” into this decision?  That is, without much conscious thought?

1. 1. As per Decision theory, which values (we use values to determine right/wrong, good/bad, acceptable/unacceptable: we make value judgments) did you consider in making your choice?

To what degree did Ullmann-Margalit’s concept of “opting” or Callard’s “aspiration” factor into the decision?

1. 1. What specific parts of the brain are involved in the above processes?
   2. How will you know this major/career was the “right” choice for you?

Please use APA in-text citations for your sources-this includes the textbook information and the linked article.  A properly formatted References page is also required.

Please also be sure to limit your response to 3-5 well-crafted sentences in response to each of the above prompts for this assignment.

EXTRA CREDIT BONUS

Typing responses to each of the following prompts will add the corresponding amount of points to the grade-this section is the Department’s “High Impact Project” for this semester.

Please be clear, concise, and to-the-point.  A couple of sentences each should suffice.

How did the completion of this course assignment help you to:

1. Learn more about yourself (e.g. spiritual beliefs, beliefs about social issues, etc.)? 1 pts.
2. Become a better person (parent, partner, spouse, family member, friend)? 2 pts.
3. Develop healthy relationships? 1 pt.
4. Be a more productive, better informed member of society? 2 pts.
5. Be a better learner, become more connected to your identity as a member of your academic pathway, and help you achieve your academic goals, such as completing your degree? 2 pts.
6. Reach your vocational/occupational goals (e.g. obtain a position or advance in your career)? 2 pt.