Thomas G. Bowers, Ph.D. Penn State Harrisburg Drive Theory Thomas G. Bowers, Ph.D. Penn State Harrisburg

Drive Theory Hull’s behavioral theory Reinforcement was described as drive reduction For example, food deprivation yields hunger (a drive state) which motivates behavior, and makes food reinforcing Thirst motivated research was common

Drive Theory Hull’s behavioral theory Skinner later rejected the notion of reference to hypothetical constructs to explain behavior Instead focused on descriptive behavioral analysis

Drive Theory E = (H * D * K) - I. Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement. E = (H * D * K) – I Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals.

Drive Theory D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior. K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement. E = (H * D * K) – I Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals.

Drive Theory I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals. E = (H * D * K) – I Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals.

Drive Theory Motivational theories are not widely espoused in psychology at this time Motivational analysis appears to be more common in biological sciences Rejection may reflect the lack of parsimony in the theoretical system E = (H * D * K) – I Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals.

Drive Theory Are theories of learning necessary? Is motivation important? E = (H * D * K) – I Where E refers to reaction potential, related to the probability, force and speed of a response. H refers to habit strength, the strength of association developed through reinforcement D refers to drive. Drive is a motivator, and energizes behavior K refers to incentive motivation. Measure of amount and delay of reinforcement I refers to inhibition. This could reflect both fatigue and active inhibition as in extinction, or CS- signals.