Motivation

Are You Motivated? Motivation = a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior towards a goal. There are very close ties between emotions and motivated behaviors. Aron Ralston Story

Instinct Theory and Motivation Is motivation simply an instinct? (Instinct Theory) – Evolution and Instinct – No Instinct = A complex behavior that has a pattern in a specific species and is unlearned. – Sea turtles, newly hatched on a beach, will automatically move toward the ocean. – Humans: rooting, sucking, and sleeping – Reflexes – Maturation

Drive-Reduction Theory Instinct theory was replaced by drive- reduction theory. Drive-Reduction Theory = a physiological need creates an aroused state or a drive that motivates the organism to satisfy the need. – Hunger or Thirst

Drive-Reduction Theory The aim of Drive- Reduction Theory is to attain homeostasis. Homeostasis = A balanced or constant internal state. The word literally means “staying the same.” – Causes a “drive” – Bodies temperature regulation

Drive-Reduction Theory Incentive = positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior. We are not just pushed by our need to reduce “drives” we are also pulled by incentives. – Somebody who is food deprived and smells baking bread feels a strong hunger drive and the bread becomes the incentive. – Nature vs. Nurture

Arousal Theory Some motivated behaviors can be explained by the want to be aroused. – We are motivated and driven by curiosity, we are fascinated by novel or new things. Arousal Theory = Motivation aims not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimum levels of arousal.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Developed by Abraham Maslow Pg. 468