Theories of Motivation and Key Contributors

Instinct Theory (William James)

Behavior driven by biological instincts for survival.

Drive Reduction Theory (Clark Hull)

Motivation arises from reducing physiological drives.

Optimum Arousal Theory (Yerkes-Dodson Law)

People seek optimal arousal, avoiding boredom or stress.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (Abraham Maslow)

Five-tiered pyramid of human needs for motivation.

Physiological Needs

Basic needs like food, water, and shelter.

Safety Needs

Desire for security and stability in life.

Love & Belonging

Need for relationships and social connections.

Esteem Needs

Desire for achievement and recognition from others.

Self-Actualization

Fulfilling personal potential and achieving growth.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory(Leon Festinger)

Discrepancies between beliefs and actions cause discomfort.

William James

Studied motivation, emphasizing individual differences.

Alfred Kinsey

Researched human sexuality and sexual motivation.

Stanley Schachter

Developed Two-Factor Theory of Emotion.

Hans Selye

Introduced General Adaptation Syndrome linking stress to adaptation.