1 Motivation

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

3 Perspectives on Motivation Perspectives to explain motivation include the following: 1. Instinct Theory 2. Drive-Reduction Theory 3. Arousal Theory 4. Hierarchy of Motives 5. Self-determination Theory

4 Instincts & Evolutionary Psychology Instincts are complex behaviors that have fixed patterns throughout different species and are not learned (Tinbergen, 1951). Where the woman builds different kinds of houses the bird builds only one kind of nest. © Ariel Skelley/ Masterfile Tony Brandenburg/ Bruce Coleman, Inc.

5 Drive-Reduction Theory When the instinct theory of motivation failed it was replaced by the drive-reduction theory. A physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need (Hull, 1951).

6 Drive Reduction Food Drive Reduction Organism The physiological aim of drive reduction is homeostasis, the maintenance of a steady internal state (e.g., maintenance of steady body temperature). Stomach Full Empty Stomach (Food Deprived)

7 Incentive Where our needs push, incentives (positive or negative stimuli) pull us in reducing our drives. A person who smells baking bread (incentive) may feel a hunger drive.

8 Higher Order Needs Henry Murray Henry Murray “higher order” needs: not physiologically based “higher order” needs: not physiologically based e.g.s: Need for Affiliation e.g.s: Need for Affiliation Need for Achievement etc. Need for Achievement etc.

9 The Need to Belong “[Man] is a social animal,” (Aristotle). Separation from others increases our need to belong. “Cast Away,” Tom Hanks, suffers from social starvation. 20 th Century Fox/ Dreamworks/ The Kobal Collection

10 Aiding Survival Social bonds boosted our ancestors’ survival rates. These bonds led to the following: 1. Protecting against predators, especially for the young. 2. Procuring food. 3. Reproducing the next offspring.

11 Hierarchy of Needs Abraham Maslow (1970) 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. ( )

12 Hierarchy of Needs Hurricane Survivors Menahem Kahana/ AFP/ Getty Images Mario Tama/ Getty Images David Portnoy/ Getty Images for Stern Joe Skipper/ Reuters/ Corbis

13 Self-Determination Theory Deci & Ryan (2000) Deci & Ryan (2000) Basic Needs: Basic Needs: Relatedness, Competence, Autonomy Relatedness, Competence, Autonomy Motivation: Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic Motivation: Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic (Autonomous Vs. Controlled self-regulation) Autonomous motivation  better goal progress and higher satisfaction Autonomous motivation  better goal progress and higher satisfaction Excessive controlling rewards can undermine IM (“overjustification effect”) Excessive controlling rewards can undermine IM (“overjustification effect”) Autonomy support  increased autonomous motivation Autonomy support  increased autonomous motivation

14 Challenging Goals Specific challenging goals motivate people to reach higher achievement levels, especially if there is feedback such as progress reports.

15 How to motivate people avoid stifling intrinsic motivation avoid stifling intrinsic motivation support autonomous motivation support autonomous motivation provide informative feedback rather than control provide informative feedback rather than control find out what’s important to the individual find out what’s important to the individual