Introduction to Motivation

m34
 Objectives
Students should be able to
• define motivation and name four perspectives
useful for studying motivated behavior
• discuss instinct theory and its uses
• explain how drive-reduction their views human
motivation
• discuss the contribution of arousal theory to the
study of motivation
• describe Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
 Instincts & Evolution
Motivation is a need or desire that energizes
and directs behavior
– Internal motivation
• eg ?

– External motivation
• eg ?
An instinct is a complex, unlearned
behavior that is rigidly patterned throughout
a species.

• Birds build nests by instinct

• Ducks imprinting at hatching
• Human instincts . . . ?
 Drives & Incentives
• Without clear human instincts,
psychologists turned to drive-reduction
theory:
– The idea that a physiological need creates an
aroused state of tension (a drive) that motivates an
organism to satisfy the need.

• The drive-reduction theory attempts to

recreate homeostasis – a balanced
internal state.
Drives push, but incentives pull.
Hunger pushes us to eat, and yummy food pulls
us to eat.

Hull’s Drive Theory

Performance = Habit x Drive
Drives push, but incentives pull.
Hunger pushes us to eat, and yummy food pulls
us to eat.

Hull’s Drive Theory

Performance = Habit x Drive
 Optimum Arousal
Rather than seeking some biologically based
balance, the optimum arousal theory says
that people are motivated to reach an
optimal state of alertness or activation.
– The Yerkes-Dodson theory predicts that
people perform better at a moderate level of
arousal
The optimal level of arousal is:
– lower for more difficult or cognitive tasks
(the learners need to concentrate on the material)
– higher for tasks requiring endurance and
persistence
(the learners need more motivation).
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Self-actualization needs

Esteem needs

Belongingness needs

Safety needs

Physiological needs