1. Module 34: Introduction to Motivation
Unit 10: Motivation
Module 34: Introduction to Motivation

2. Motivation Motive: a need or a want that causes us to act.
Motivation: a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior.
We will see:
1. Instinct Theory
2. Drive-reduction Theory
3. Arousal Theory
4. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

3. Theories of Motivation
Instinct theory: physical and mental instincts such as curiosity and fearfulness cause us to act.
Instincts: inherited automatic species-specific behaviors.
i.e. Newly hatched ducks form attachment to 1st moving object they see.

4. Theories of Motivation
Psychologists debate the differences between instincts and reflexes.

5. Theories of Motivation
Need: motivated state caused by physiological deficit.
Drive: state of psychological tension induced by need, which motivates us.
Drive-Reduction Theory: the idea that a physiological need creates a drive that motivates an organism to satisfy the need.

6. Theories of Motivation
Need
(e.g., for
food, water)
Drive-reducing
behaviors
(eating, drinking)
Drive
(hunger, thirst)
We have a need for food, water, etc.
The drive we experience is hunger, thirst, etc.
Drive-Reducing behaviors is eating, drinking, etc.

7. Theories of Motivation
The physiological aim of drive reduction is homeostasis.
Homeostasis: the tendency to maintain a balance.
Ex. Our body temperature is degrees.
Our aim is to maintain that temperature or we don’t feel right.

9. Theories of Motivation
Incentive: a positive or negative environmental stimulus that motivates behavior.
Incentive theory: beyond the primary motives of food, drink, and sex which push us toward a goal, secondary motives or external stimuli such as money, approval, and grades regulate and pull us toward a goal.

10. Theories of Motivation
Arousal theory: each of us has an optimal level of arousal necessary to perform tasks, which vary with the person and the activity.
Arousal: the level of alertness, wakefulness, and activation caused by activity in the central nervous system.
We seek an optimal level of arousal.

11. Theories of Motivation
Abraham Maslow: 1908 – 1970
American psychologist.
One of the founders of humanistic psychology.
Felt people were naturally good and wanted to grow.
While jogging, he suffered a severe heart attack and died in California.

12. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
1) Basic biological needs
2) Safety and security needs
3) Belongingness and love needs
4) Self-esteem needs
5) Self-actualization needs
Only when our basic needs are satisfied can we begin to fulfill other needs.

13. Theories of Motivation

14. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
The need for self-actualization, the need to fulfill one’s potential, spiritual fulfillment, are the highest needs and can only be realized after each succeeding need below has been fulfilled.
However, this theory lacks evidence to support it fully.