MOTIVATION AND EMOTION

Motivation

  • factors (stimuli, wants, needs) that direct our behavior, thinking, feeling towards a goal

-guided, energized, persistent

Theories of motivation

instinct theory

  • Instinct Theory: behavior is driven by instincts that are biologically determined not learned

it suggests we are born with preprogramed sets of behaviors essential for survival

weakness- no agreement on number of primary instincts, can’t explain why behaviors evolve in some species but not others

drive reduction theory

motivational tension or arousal that energizes behavior to fulfill a need.

primary drives- hunger, thirst, sex

secondary drives- wealth, social status, and achievement, which are learned through experiences and culture, and help satisfy primary drives indirectly.

-pushes us to do something to satisfy that need

-our body’s way to maintain homeostasis underlines primary drives and uses feedback loops

arousal theory

optimal level of arousal can enhance performance, where too little arousal may lead to boredom and too much can cause stress, affecting our ability to function effectively.

  • this balance is crucial, as it influences our motivation and emotional states, steering us towards achieving goals while managing stress levels.

arousal approach to motivation- we try to maintain a steady level of stimulation and activity

incentive approach

motivation stems from desire to attain external rewards (incentives)

-not a complete explanation of motivation

drives & incentives

push: internal drives proposed by drive-reduction theory

pull: external incentives of incentive theory

cognitive approaches

motivation is a result of our thoughts, beliefs, expectations, goals

intrinsic: causes us to participate in an activity for our own enjoyment

extrinsic: causes us to do something for money, grades or some other actual concrete reward

self-efficacy and social motives

self-efficacy- our belief in our capability to complete a task determines what do & our goals for the future

expectancy- our predictions about concequences or outcomes of our behavior determine if we do it

Maslow’s hierarchy of motivational needs

top: self-actualization

        esteem

        love and belonginess

        saftey needs

        pysiological needs

Maslow’s hierarchy of motivational needs

  1. Physiological needs

  2. Safety needs

  3. Love and Belongingness

  4. Esteem

  5. Self-actualization

Self-determination theory- the idea that we have 3 basic needs