Motivation

Definition
The area of psychology that attempts to explain why we do the things we do is called motivation.
Psychologists have studied motivation from a variety of approaches: drives, incentives, arousal, curiosity, achievement, etc.
Motivation is CENTRAL to the study of psychology because people constantly engage in purposeful or goal oriented behavior and underlying all such behavior are MOTIVES.

Drive theory of motivation
(PUSH theory)
First used by Woodwirth (1918)
Drives are internal forces that push us towards doing smth. (thirst drive ?drinking, hunger drive ? eating)
Need ? Drive
Rest ? goal ? behavior
A need causes a drive, which leads to behavior designed to reach a goal and then allows the individual to rest.

Incentive Theory of motivation (Pull theory)
External stimuli , called incentives, pull the individual towards some goal. (tempted to eat a delicious desert even when not hungry)
Incentives are objects or events that motivate the individual in the absence of a biological need. We avoid negative incentives such as pain.
Differences between drives and incentives.
internal external
unlearned learned
biological
cyclic

Arousal theory of motivation
Is focused on the level of energy necessary to regulative our overall arousal
When we are motivated to increase our arousal: walking, looking, feeling, sensory active behavior.
When we are motivated to decrease our arousal: sleeping, being quiet, engaging in relaxation.
The difference between drive theory and arousal theory.
D.T. – motivated to decrease arousal by achieving the goal, A.T. motivated either increase or decrease arousal.

Examples for arousal theory:
High arousal ?anxiety, disorganization, and decreases level of performance.
So, if students are too anxious, they might not do well.
When arousal (motivation) is moderate ? test performance is best.

People with low level of internal arousal depend on external stimulation to raise their internal level by:
- seeking thrills and adventure
- climbing mountains
- driving race cars
- enjoying action movies
- using drugs
- involved in illegal activities
- easily sexually aroused.

Maslow’s Humanistic Theory
Hierarchy of needs:
Physiological needs – hunger, thirst, sex, exercise, rest
Safety needs – security, stability, protection, freedom from fear and anxiety.
Belonging and Love needs – love, affection desire for friends, family, and social contact
Esteem needs – high evaluation of oneself, self-respect, achievement, recognition by others
Self-actualization – realizing one’s potential.

Cognitive Theory of Motivation.
Emphasizes thinking and perceptual interpretation
Certain behaviors ? certain goals, so we develop cognitive expectancies that motivate us to exhibit these behaviors
Example: Would you study for an exam or go to a movie?
Our behavior is the result of our expectations of achieving goals and the value that those goals have for us. We are motivated to maximize the value of our behavior and choices.

Biological motives.
They have a definite psychological basis and biologically necessary for survival of the individual: hunger, thirst, body t regulation, avoidance of pain, sexual drive.
Examples:
Obese people are much more sensitive to external cues (time, the sight, smell, and taste of food)
This conclusion has practical implication for people trying to lose weight.
2) Human sexuality is controlled by the higher brain centers that enables us to learn from experiences, sexual behavior in humans is learned, it is mostly in the head.

Stimulus motives
Examples: read a book for fun or for grade? Draw a picture for pleasure or for a reward?
Intrinsic or extrinsic motivation?

Learned social motives

Seminar:
Why do we do the things we do?
Why do you eat and drink?
Why are you wearing these clothes now?
Why do you have friends?
Why do you study?
Why do you study here?
Why do you do home tasks?
Why do you want good grades?
Why do you sleep?