The theory stating that behaviors are motivated by an organism's attempts to reduce tension from conditions such as hunger or thirst, and return the body to a state of balance, is called ________ theory.a. drive-reduction b. homeostatic c. needs d. disequilibrium

a. Drive-reduction

The theory stating that behaviors are motivated by an organism's attempts to reduce tension from conditions such as hunger or thirst, and return the body to a state of balance, is called drive-reduction theory. This theory suggests that biological needs create internal states of tension or drive, and organisms are motivated to engage in behaviors that reduce or satisfy these drives to maintain homeostasis.

Here are some key points to understand about drive-reduction theory and related concepts:

1. **Homeostasis**: This is the process by which the body maintains a stable internal environment. When something disrupts this balance (for example, you get hungry or thirsty), it creates a physiological need.

2. **Drives**: A drive is a psychological state that arises from a physiological need, pushing an organism to fulfill that need. Hunger and thirst are examples of primary drives because they relate to basic biological needs. There are also secondary drives, which are learned and can be associated with primary drives or stem from other motivators such as social approval.

3. **Drive-Reduction**: According to the theory, the discomfort from the drive motivates an organism to engage in actions that will reduce the drive. For example, when you're hungry, the drive to eat will motivate you to find food, and once you eat, your hunger is satisfied, and you experience a reduction in the drive.

4. **Incentives**: Sometimes outside factors, known as incentives, can also motivate behavior. These can be rewards or punishments that lure or repel us from taking certain actions. While the drive-reduction theory focuses on internal factors, it acknowledges that external factors can interplay with internal drives to influence behavior.

Remember, while the drive-reduction theory provides a useful framework for understanding certain aspects of behavior, human motivation is complex and can be influenced by many factors beyond mere physiological needs. Other theories, like Maslow's hierarchy of needs and self-determination theory, offer additional perspectives on what motivates us to act.