General Psychology - Motivation

Motivation

the biological, emotional, cognitive or social forces that act on or within you, or an organism to activate and direct behavior

Three characteristics associated with motivation:

Activation

Persistence

Intensity

Activation

This is the initial stage where a person decides to take action. It's the trigger that starts the behavior and is often influenced by internal or external motivators that drive an individual to act.

Persistence

This refers to the continued effort and dedication toward a goal over time. It involves overcoming challenges and setbacks while maintaining focus and commitment.

Intensity

This describes the amount of energy, effort, and concentration put into the pursuit of a goal. High intensity means a person is highly focused, driven, and works with great vigor.

Four perspectives in the study of motivation:

Instinct theory

Drive-reduction theory

Arousal theory

Hierarchy of motives

Instinct Theory

to qualify as an instinct it must be a complex behavior with a fixed pattern through the species and be unlearned.

Drive-reduction Theory

The idea that physiological needs creates an arousal state that drive the organism to reduce that need or satisfy it

Components of Drive Reduction Theory

Homeostasis and incentives

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a steady internal state. (body temp, energy level)

Incentives

positive or negative stimuli that lure or repel us that motivates behavior (reward)

Arousal Theory

The urge for the optimum level of stimulation. When all biological needs are met, we are driven for more stimulation.

A Hierarchy of Motives

The concept that some needs take priority over others.

Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:

Describes how if some motives are unsatisfied, it can be more compelling than others and must be satisfied first before higher level needs.

Self-transcendence needs

need to find meaning and identity above the self

Self-actualization needs

need to live up to our fullest and unique potential

Esteem needs

need for self-esteem, achievement, independence, respect from others

Belongingness and love needs

need to love and be loved

Safety needs

Safety needs

To live in an environment where you are safe

Physiological Needs

Food, water, medicine

Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory (STD)

Theory that people are actively growth oriented but to reach optimal human functioning the three psychological needs including autonomy, competence, and relatedness must be satisfied

Autonomy

the need to determine, control and organize one's own behavior and goals so that they are in harmony with one's own interests and values

Competence

the need to learn and master appropriately challenging tasks

- When you do something you're meant to do, innately confident in it, etc. It's just a part of you.

Relatedness

the need to feel attached to others and experience a sense of belongingness, security, and intimacy

- You could be loved, but you need to feel it. Believe it.

The Self-determination theory

identifies competence as a universal motive

- You need to feel as if you have enough skills to be independent in life.

- Enough knowledge that you are a significant individual in the world.

Self-determination theory results in

Achievement motivation

Achievement motivation

the desire to direct behavior toward excelling, succeeding, or outperforming others at some task

- This is the key to success

- Not straight A's...it's how hard you work.

- How motivated are you to achieve in life?

Positive Incentive Value Theory

in eating behavior, the anticipated or heightened anticipation of the pleasure of consuming a particular food

Evolutionary Perspective

over-eating helps build energy reserves for times when food may be scare of unavailable

Satiation

in eating behavior, the feeling of fullness and diminished desire to eat after eating a meal

Think -> Satisfaction