Module 4.7a: Motivation: Motivational Concepts

Learning Targets

  • 4.7-1: Explain motivation as psychologists use the term, and identify four key motivation theories.

  • 4.7-2: Explain how the idea that some needs are more compelling than others is a useful framework for thinking about motivation.

Motivation: Definition and Key Theories

  • Definition of Motivation: Motivation is defined by psychologists as a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.

  • Key Motivation Theories:

    • Instinct Theory: Focuses on genetically predisposed behaviors— behaviors that are fixed and unlearned.

    • Drive-Reduction Theory: Proposed by Clark Hull, this theory posits that a physiological need creates an aroused state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy that need. The goal is homeostasis, which is maintaining a constant internal state.

    • Arousal Theory: Suggests humans are motivated not just to reduce drives, but to seek an optimal level of stimulation. Some behaviors increase arousal rather than decrease it.

    • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Abraham Maslow proposed that human needs are organized in a hierarchy, with basic physiological needs at the base and higher psychological needs like self-actualization at the top. This hierarchy helps prioritize needs and understand motivation.

Illustrative Example: Chris Klein

  • Chris Klein, born with severe cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation, exemplifies motivation through his determination to succeed despite physical limitations. His perseverance to attend college and become an inspirational speaker highlights how motivation can stem from social motives (affiliation, achievement) as well as biological ones (survival).

  • His story emphasizes how motivations and emotions interrelate and provide energy for actions directed toward satisfaction and success.

Nature and Nurture in Motivation

  • Motivations arise from both nature (physiological factors) and nurture (personal experiences and cultural influences). Examples include:

    • Hunger as a biological push leading to eating learned food choices.

    • Motivations being hijacked, such as addiction, which can lead to neglecting basic needs.

Four Perspectives on Motivated Behavior

  1. Instinct Theory: Focuses on behaviors that are biologically determined.

    • Instinct: A complex behavior that is fixed across species and unlearned.

  2. Drive-Reduction Theory: Describes how physiological needs create drives (e.g., hunger motivating eating).

    • Homeostasis: The tendency to maintain a balanced internal state, such as regulating blood glucose levels.

  3. Arousal Theory: Asserts that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal. Some seek stimulation and excitement, which can involve risks.

    • Sensation Seeking: Traits of sensation seekers include thrill seeking, experience seeking, and susceptibility to boredom.

  4. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: Prioritizes needs from basic to complex—physiological needs must be satisfied before higher psychological needs arise.

    • Self-Transcendence: A level beyond self-actualization, where individuals seek meaning and purpose beyond themselves.

Arousal and Performance: Yerkes-Dodson Law

  • The Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that optimal performance occurs at moderate levels of arousal. Tasks perceived as tricky may need a lower level of arousal for optimal performance, while simple tasks may benefit from higher arousal.

    • Example: Students perform better in a low-stress environment while solving difficult problems than in a high-stress situation.

  • Practical Application: Knowing this law can help in exam strategies, such as keeping anxiety in check to avoid detrimental effects on performance.

Hierarchy of Needs and Its Importance

  • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs illustrates that some needs take precedence over others.

  • Physiological needs (air, water) must be met before psychological needs (safety, love, esteem) can be effectively pursued.

  • Cultural Differences: The hierarchy may not universally apply; different cultures emphasize various needs based on social context and values.

    • Example: In individualistic cultures, personal achievements may take precedence over community needs.

Conclusion: The Centrality of Motivation in Human Behavior

  • Understanding motivation helps elucidate why humans behave the way they do, in terms of both basic needs and complex social motivations. This understanding is pivotal for addressing diverse behavioral and psychological challenges individuals may face.