Motivation Theories and Key Concepts

Vocabulary flashcards covering classical and contemporary theories of motivation, key terms, Maslow’s hierarchy, and diversity considerations.

Motivation

A desire that stimulates and steers behavior toward action.

Intrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform a behavior because the behavior itself is naturally or personally rewarding.

Extrinsic Motivation

The desire to perform a behavior to obtain an external reward.

Incentive

An object or situation outside oneself that serves as an external reward and motivates behavior.

Instinct

A biologically innate form of motivation present in humans and other animals.

Instinct Theory

Classical theory stating that humans are motivated primarily by instinctual drives.

Drive-Reduction Theory

Classical theory stating that unmet biological drives cause unpleasant sensations that motivate behavior to restore homeostasis.

Homeostasis

A state of bodily steadiness or balance regained after biological drives are satisfied.

Arousal Theory

Classical theory of motivation stating that people are inherently motivated to attain and maintain an optimal level of arousal.

Arousal (Psychology)

General excitement or attentiveness that varies by person and situation.

Yerkes-Dodson Law

Principle that moderate arousal leads to higher performance than very high or very low arousal levels.

Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Contemporary theory stating that the strongest, healthiest motivations come from within and emphasize autonomy.

Autonomous

Acting because the activity is inherently rewarding, reflecting self-determination and personal choice.

Controlled Motivation

Acting due to external pressures or rewards; lacks internal integration.

Regulatory Focus Theory

Contemporary theory proposing two motivational systems—promotion and prevention—that differentially guide behavior.

Promotion Motivation

Orientation toward advancing, gaining, and maximizing positive outcomes.

Prevention Motivation

Orientation toward vigilance, risk avoidance, and preventing loss of current assets.

Regulatory Fit

The harmony experienced when one’s environment matches their dominant promotion or prevention focus.

Achievement Goal Theory

Contemporary theory positing that different types of goals (e.g., mastery vs. performance) lead to different outcomes.

Mastery Goals

Goals centered on learning, improvement, and developing competence; linked to better outcomes.

Performance Goals

Goals focused on demonstrating competence relative to others; often yield weaker outcomes than mastery goals.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Motivational model with six ascending levels: physiology, safety, belongingness & love, esteem, self-actualization, and self-transcendence.

Physiological Needs

Basic survival necessities such as food, water, and shelter; first level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Safety Needs

Desire for security and protection; second level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Belongingness and Love Needs

Need for social connection and affection; third level in Maslow’s hierarchy.

Esteem Needs

Need to feel positive about oneself through achievement and recognition; fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Self-Actualization

Process of realizing and fulfilling one’s potential; fifth level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Self-Transcendence

Connecting to something beyond or bigger than oneself; sixth and highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Diversity in Motivation

Recognition that motivational drivers vary across ethnicity, gender, age, and other demographic factors.