Psychology 40S Motivation C McMurray Source: PSYCHOLOGY (9th Edition) David Myers Worth Publishers, © 2010

What Motivates You?

Motivation Motivation: is a need or desire that energizes(or moves) behavior and directs it towards a goal. Aron Ralston was motivated to cut his arm in order to free himself from a rock that pinned him down. AP Photo/ Rocky Mountain News, Judy Walgren Aron Ralston

Watch Aron Ralston Aron Ralston http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8JOuepqO7g

Theories of Motivation Researchers have developed a number of different theories to explain motivation, for example: Instinct Theory of Motivation Drive-Reduction Theory of Motivation Arousal Theory of Motivation Incentive Theory of Motivation Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Motivation (Humanistic Theory)

Drive-Reduction Theory People are motivated to take certain actions in order to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs. People and animals experience a drive arising from a need as an unpleasant tension. They learn to do whatever will reduce that tension by reducing the drive, such as eating to reduce their hunger drive. Basic drives motivate us to restore an internal state of balance. This state of balance (equilibrium) in the body is called homeostasis.

Arousal Theory of Motivation People are motivated to seek an optimum level of excitement or arousal People with high levels of arousal will be drawn to high excitement behaviors. While others with lower levels are satisfied with less exciting and less risky activities. Performance increases with arousal but only to a certain extent.

Incentive Theory of Motivation People are motivated to do things because of external rewards.

Motivation Intrinsic Motivation is the desire to perform behaviour for its own sake, not for any external reward. Extrinsic Motivation is the desire to perform behaviour because of promised reward or threats of punishment. Which is better? Surprisingly both work together. Sometimes external rewards can help us achieve a goal. What is the problem with external rewards?

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Humanistic Theory of Motivation) suggested that certain needs have priority over others. Physiological needs like breathing, thirst, and hunger come before psychological needs such as achievement, self-esteem, and the need for recognition. (1908-1970)

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Self-transcendence needs Need to find meaning and identity beyond the self According to Maslow, once our lower-level needs are met, we are prompted to satisfy our higher-level needs.

Hierarchy of Needs Activity Handout Reflect on your activities over the past few months Give an example of a behaviour you had recently that met the needs of each level of Maslow’s hierarchy.

Motivation Assignment What is motivation? What motivates people? Give an example of a time when you were motivated to do something…what motivated you to do it and why? Why are some people more motivated than others? Video: The surprising truth about what motivates us. What is the video saying about motivation? List things that motivate you. Look at your list and put an E beside the Extrinsic motivators and an I beside the Intrinsic motivators. After watching the video, and discussing the video in your groups, and what you have learned about motivation…what is motivation and/or what motivates people? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6XAPnuFjJc&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1&safe=active

What does this tell you about Motivation? Video: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us What does this tell you about Motivation?