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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.