Motivation (4.6)
Theories of motivation
Understanding motivation involves exploring how behaviors address physical needs and desires
Drive-Reduction Theory: Behaviors help maintain homeostasis
EX: Eating when hungry to reduce the desire for food
Arousal Theory: People seek an optimal level of arousal
EX: Seeking excitement or relaxation depending on current arousal levels
Yerkes-Dodson Law: Performance increases with arousal up to an optimal point, after which it declines
EX: Performing best under moderate stress, but performance deteriorates under extreme stress
Other Theories
Motivation can be driven by internal or external factors
Self-Determination Theory: People are motivated by intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external) motivations
Intrinsic Motivation: Performing an activity for its inherent satisfaction
EX: Reading a book for pleasure
Extrinsic Motivation: Performing an activity for external rewards
EX: Working for a paycheck
Incentive Theory: Explores the role of rewards (an extrinsic motivation) in motivating behavior
EX: Studying hard to receive good grades
Instincts and Motivation
Motivation in non-human animals often relies on instinctual behaviors
Instincts: Innate, typically fixed patterns of behavior in response to certain stimuli
EX: Birds migrating seasonally
Human Motivation: Humans do not seem to demonstrate instinctual behavior or mental processes in the same way
EX: Human behavior is more influenced by learning and environment there also appears to be a more conscious force of motivation among humans
Motivational Conflicts Theory
Motivation often involves resolving conflicts between different choices
Approach-Approach Conflict: Choosing between two desirable options
EX: Deciding between two appealing job offers; both are positive, but choosing one excludes the other
Approach-Avoidance Conflict: A single choice has both positive and negative aspects
EX: Taking a high-paying job that requires relocation
Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: Choosing between two undesirable options
EX: Deciding between completing a disliked chore or facing a penalty
Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict: Choosing between two choices with both positive and negative aspects
EX: Choosing where to spend the holidays when married
Sensation-Seeking Theory
Motivation can also stem from the need for varied or novel experiences
Sensation-Seeking: One’s level of need for varied or novel experiences
EX: Skydiving, trying new foods
Types of Sensation Seeking
Experience Seeking: Desire for new sensory or mental experiences
Thrill or Adventure Seeking: Desire for physical risk and adventure
Disinhibition: Preference for spontaneous and uninhibited activities