Final answer:
Theresa's desire to be happy demonstrates 'motivation,' which is the driving force guiding behaviors toward a goal, such as seeking satisfaction or utility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theresa's desire to be happy is an example of motivation, which refers to the wants or needs that direct behavior toward some goal. It is a driving force that propels humans to think, feel, and act in certain ways in pursuit of their objectives. People often engage in both strategic and expressive behaviors, where strategic actions are aimed at achieving certain ends, even if those actions are not necessarily rooted in morality. For example, someone might study hard to achieve a high grade because they are motivated by the desire to succeed academically. Another aspect of motivation is the idea of utility, which describes a person's level of satisfaction or happiness with their choices. Economists often refer to utility when analyzing how individuals make decisions that maximize their well-being or happiness. Furthermore, motivated reasoning is the tendency to accept ideas that align with one's desires and to reject evidence that contradicts them. This psychological process highlights how our motivations can influence our perceptions and beliefs.