4.5 theories of motivation

instincts

fixed, unlearned behavior that we were born with

drive-reduction theory

behavior motivated by the need to reduce internal drives to maintain homeostasis (drinking water when thirsty, eating when hungry..)

ghrelin

hormones making you hungry

leptin

hormones that reduce hunger/make you full

belongingness

the human desire to form close and meaningful bonds with others (feeling a sense of ____)

arousal theory

individuals are motivated to stay aroused/alert to achieve optimal arousal levels

yerkes-dodson law

when performance increases with arousal => but not too high- there’s a limit to it

sensation-seeking theory

people are motivated by the need to experience new things

thrill-seeking

desire for intense, high-risk experiences

adventure seeking

individuals motivated by desire for exploration/challenging experiences

disinhibition

tendency to seek out social thrills by doing stuff that is usually restrained by social norms

boredom susceptibility

doing things to avoid boredom

incentive theory

people are motivated by rewards (money, praise..)

self-determination theory

people are motivated by intrinsic or extrinsic motivations

intrinsic motivation

motivation from personal satisfaction, growth, motivation from within

extrinsic motivation

motivation from money, grades, praise

lewin’s motivational conflicts theory

psychological struggles that individuals face when making decisions

approach-approach conflicts

choosing between two good things

avoidance-avoidance conflicts

choosing between two bad things

approach-avoidance conflicts

choosing between two things that each have their own good and bad stuff