AP Psych: Theories of Motivation

Motivation

driving factors that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behavior

Drive Reduction Theory

Aroused/tense state that arouses an organism to satisfy a need, to satisfy homeostasis, need, and drive

Homeostasis

internal balance in the body

Need

A biological requirement for proper functioning (food, water)

Drive

state of unrest/tension (thirst, hunger)

instinct Theory

explains motivation through innate behavior important for an organism’s survival

Arousal Theory

Human motivation aims not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimum levels of arousal

Yerkes Dodson

performance and arousal are directly related, there is an optimal level of arousal for the best performance of any task

Humanistic (Maslow)

Hierarchy of Needs, suggests some needs have priority over others and all humans have potential to grow

Self Actualization

realization of one’s full potential

Self-Determination

3 parts: Autonomy, Competence, Relatedness

Autonomy

feeling a sense of personal control

Competence

feeling effective and capable

Relatedness

feeling connected + cared for