Motivation

 a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior  Instinct theory/ Evolutionary Perspective  Drive-Reduction Theory  Arousal Theory  Hierarchy of Needs

Instinct Theory/Evolutionary Perspective We are motivated by our inborn automated behaviors Unlearned behaviors that have a fixed pattern throughout a species Primarily applies to animals –Any human instincts?

Drive-Reduction Theory Behavior is motivated by physiological needs. Those physiological needs create psychological drives. Your body’s goal is to maintain homeostasis. –Shivering, urinating, etc. Drive-reducing behaviors (eating, drinking) Need (e.g., for food, water) Drive (hunger, thirst) PHYSIOLOGICALPSYCHOLOGICAL

Drive-Reduction Theory Our bodies have “push” and “pull” factors. “Push” – our physiological need to reduce drives. “Pull” – incentive environmental stimuli that motivate behavior. –Smelling the sweet scent of a fresh baked pie makes you even hungrier.

Arousal Theory We are motivated to seek an optimum level of arousal. –This is different for each person. Yerkes-Dodson Law: a moderate amount of stress or anxiety increases our performance If our drives are being met, we are more motivated to engage in behavior not related to physiological drives –Exploring, puzzles, etc. If you’re bored and constantly looking at the clock during class, you are not meeting your optimum level of arousal.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow’s hierarchy of needs also describes our motivation for certain behaviors Start at the bottom and work our way up Order isn’t universal; not everyone agrees