motivation and emotion

This assignment invites you to engage in intentional self-reflection by applying key concepts

from the psychology of motivation and emotion to your own lived experiences. Through

the Stop, Observe, and Reflect exercise, you will deepen your understanding of how motivation

and/ or emotion influences behaviors, decision-making, and how you interpret your personal

experiences.

INSTRUCTIONS

To complete this assignment, you are asked to pause periodically throughout the week to observe

both your external environment and internal states. These observations will serve as the

foundation for a reflective essay that connects personal experience to concepts from the weeks

assigned reading on motivation and emotion. The paper should demonstrate conceptual

understanding, critical thinking, and personal application of course material.

Stop – During this week, stop at least three times to notice what is going on around you

especially during moments that feel emotionally significant or motivationally relevant.

Observe Pay attention to what is happening around you (e.g., interactions, behaviors,

settings) and within you (e.g., thoughts, feelings, goals, impulses). Consider how these

experiences relate to motivation and/ or emotion.

Reflect Think critically about key terms, concepts, and theories from the assigned

chapter. Reflect on how these ideas apply to your current emotional experiences,

motivational drives, or behavioral choices.

Essay Requirements:

Briefly describe the situation(s) or moment(s) you observed.

Identify and define at least two key terms or concepts from the textbook that relate to

your observation.

Only the course textbook should be used for this assignment, and it must be cited in

APA.

Explain how each concept applies to your personal experience with motivation and/

or emotion.

Discuss how this reflection enhances your understanding of psychological processes

related to motivation and/ or emotion.

Essay should be a minimum of 400 words and written in current APA format.