Module 5, Emotion & Motivation: 10.1 Motivation

Learning Objectives

• By the end of this section, you will be able to:

  • Define intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

  • Understand that instincts, drive reduction, self-efficacy, and social motives have all been proposed as theories of motivation.

  • Explain the basic concepts associated with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Introduction to Motivation

• Motivation describes the wants or needs that direct behavior toward a goal.

• Types of Motivation:

  • Intrinsic Motivation:

  • Arises from internal factors.

  • Behaviors performed for the sense of personal satisfaction that they bring.

  • Extrinsic Motivation:

  • Arises from external factors.

  • Behaviors performed in order to receive something from others.

  • Figure 10.2 illustrates the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

Motivation in Education

• Example of Motivation in Education:

  • Intrinsic: Enjoying learning and seeking education for personal growth.

  • Extrinsic: Pursuing a degree for marketability or familial expectations.

• Reality of Motivation:

  • Most motivations typically comprise a mix of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, which may change over time.

The Overjustification Effect

• Defined as:

  • Overjustification Effect: Intrinsic motivation is diminished when extrinsic motivation is introduced.

• Example of Overjustification Effect:

  • Odessa loves baking and does it for enjoyment during her free time.

  • After getting a job in the bakery, her once-enjoyable hobby becomes work, diminishing her desire to bake at home.

• Result:

  • The reclassification of enjoyable activities as work can lead to a decrease in intrinsic motivation.

The Impact of Rewards on Motivation

• Contrasting Effects of Rewards:

  • Research indicates that physical rewards (e.g., money) negatively affect intrinsic motivation more than verbal recognition (e.g., praise).

  • Surprise extrinsic rewards help maintain intrinsic motivation if not expected.

Cultural Influences on Motivation

• Collectivistic Cultures:

  • Emphasize actions for family and community, influencing motivation in interpersonal contexts.

• Planning in motivation requires attention to situational and cultural factors.

Academic Motivation Factors

• A classroom environment that cultivates respect and collaboration enhances intrinsic motivation.

  • Lack of intimidation and emphasis on student-designed activities contribute positively.

• Comparison of Classroom Experiences:

  • Family Law Course:

  • Intimidating environment, direct evaluations on performance, lower intrinsic motivation.

  • Criminal Law Course:

  • Collaborative, supportive environment, more assessments based on participation and creativity, higher intrinsic motivation.

Theories About Motivation

• William James's Instinct Theory:

  • Behavior driven by instincts, aiding survival.

  • Instincts were controversial: James suggested many specific human instincts, but critics emphasized learning's role in shaping behavior.

Homeostasis and Drive Theory

• Homeostasis:

  • The tendency to maintain a stable internal environment.

• Drive Theory:

  • Deviations from homeostasis trigger physiological needs leading to psychological drive states (e.g., hunger from low blood sugar).

• Example of Drive-Reduction:

  • A drop in blood sugar triggers hunger, motivating food-seeking behavior.

• Habit Formation:

  • Repeated success in addressing drives encourages habitual behavior.

Arousal Theory

• Optimal Arousal:

  • There is an optimal level of arousal for peak performance.

  • Underarousal leads to boredom; overarousal causes anxiety, both negatively affecting performance.

• Yerkes-Dodson Law:

  • Performance varies with task complexity:

  • Simple tasks performed best at higher arousal levels.

  • Complex tasks are best performed at lower arousal levels.

Self-Efficacy and Social Motives

• Self-Efficacy:

  • Defined as the belief in one's capability to complete a task, directly influencing motivation and behavior.

  • Albert Bandura's theory posits that motivation stems from expectations about behavior outcomes.

• Social Motives:

  • Needs for achievement, affiliation, and intimacy.

  • Need for Achievement:

  • Drives accomplishment and performance.

  • Need for Affiliation:

  • Encourages positive interactions.

  • Need for Intimacy:

  • Motivates search for meaningful relationships.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

• Overview of the Hierarchy:

  • Proposed by Abraham Maslow, depicted as a pyramid:

  • Basis includes:

    1. Physiological needs (essential for survival)

    2. Security and safety needs

    3. Love and belongingness needs

    4. Esteem needs (self-worth and confidence)

    5. Self-Actualization:

    • Achieving one’s full potential, the pinnacle of human motivation.

• **Progression in the Hierarchy: **

  • Lower needs must be satisfied before higher needs are considered.

Critiques of Maslow’s Theory

• Subjective nature of the theory.

• Inability to account for exceptions in real-world situations.

• Maslow later proposed self-transcendence above self-actualization, emphasizing motivations beyond personal needs.

  • Example of Self-Transcendence:

  • Mohandas K. Gandhi’s hunger strikes for political causes illustrate striving for meanings exceeding personal concerns.