Motivation - Psychology

Topic 3

Motivation

is the conscious or unconscious drive leading the the behaviours that individuals initiate, direct and matain.

*Motives influence behaviour (motives refer to the desires behind goal directed-behaviour.

4 sources/motives of motivation

• Physiological

• Cognitions

• Emotional

• Social

Physiological

the needs for survival that motivate most human behaviour.

e.g. sleep, toilet, drink, hunger, etc.

Cognitions

motivation is derived from intellectual challenges due to the intrinsic motivation that they produce. This drive is to satisfy curiosity and explore personal interests.
e.g. values, goals, expectations.

Emotional

motivation can stem from trying to avoid pain and seeking happiness.

e.g. avoid fear, anger, stress or strive for happiness and joy.

Social

the drive to form connections and relationships with people around us.
e.g. peer pressure, conforming and seeking approval.

Who created the types and needs for motivation

Deci and Ryan (1985)

Deci adn Ryan (1985) explained that there are 3 types of motivation:

• Amotivation

• Extrinsic Motivation

• Intrinsic Motivation

Amotivation

The lack of intrinsic or extrinsic motivation.

*Amotivation increases when the environment does not allow for the behaviour to be performed.

Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation that stems from the desire for external rewards.
e.g. respect, money, awards, social recognition, etc.

*This motivation is a means to an end.

Intrinsic Motivation

Motivation driven by an innter desire for self-actualisation (full-potential) arising from acheiving a specific goal.
e.g. self-gratification

*This motivation is an end in itself.

Deci and Ryan (1985) recognised 3 psychological needs for motivation:

• Autonomy

• Competency

• Relatedness

Autonomy

People need to feel in control of their own actions. Satisfying this need improves well-being and leads to increased motivation.

Competency

The desire to feel capable of mastering new skills and experiencing a sense of acheivement. Increases the likelihood that an individual will feel satisfaction from overcoming obstacles.

Relatedness

People have a longing to form social connections and be apart of postive relationships. Improves well-being.

Strengths of Self Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan - 1985)

• Theory is applicable across cultures and cotnexts. This is because the three needs are universal.

• Intrinsic motivation is a crucial aspect of self-determination throry. It supports the tendency for people to do things they enjoy rather than doing things for external rewords.

Limitations of Self Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan - 1985)

• The strong emphasis on autonomy is argued to minimise the influence that external rewards have on motivation.

• The theory has multiple complex components. It may limit the ability to comprehend and apply.

  *Facilitator

Applications to the real world of Self Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan - 1985)

• It is of interest to teachers, employers, managers to increase the 3 psychological needs.

• This improves self-determination, which leads to intrinsic motivation, which then promotes positive wellbeing.