Which theory posits that after satisfying biological needs, people feel driven to experience stimulation, and without stimulation they seek arousal?

• A. Drive Reduction Theory
• B. Arousal Theory
• C. Framing
• D. Availability Heuristic

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is arousal theory of motivation. This view holds that once basic biological needs are satisfied, people seek stimulation to reach an optimal level of arousal. If there isn’t enough stimulation, they actively look for more arousal; too much stimulation would prompt efforts to reduce it. So the statement fits arousal theory: after biology is satisfied, there’s a pull toward experiences that provide stimulation, and in its absence, people seek arousal to maintain that balance.

Drive reduction theory, by contrast, expects behavior to reduce a internal tension created by unmet needs, so once needs are satisfied the drive diminishes rather than increasing curiosity for stimulation. Framing and the availability heuristic are cognitive concepts about how information is presented or recalled, not about motivation to seek arousal.