What term describes the states that activate behavior and propel us toward achieving goals?

The term that best describes the states that activate behavior and propel individuals toward achieving goals is "motives." Motives are internal processes that energize, direct, and sustain behavior toward a particular goal. They arise from needs, desires, and psychological drives that influence actions, making them fundamental in understanding human behavior in psychological contexts. For instance, a student's motive to succeed academically can drive them to study diligently, whereas a person's motive for social acceptance can influence their participation in group activities.

While the other choices might seem related, they do not encompass the same comprehensive concept as motives. Impressions refer instead to the perceptions or evaluations formed about others, while drives represent basic biological urges that push individuals to seek satisfaction or fulfill physiological needs. Instincts are innate behaviors that can influence behavior, but they are often more rigid and biologically driven compared to the more complex and varied nature of motives. Therefore, motives capture the essence of what propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior.