6 Theories of Motivations

An Introduction

Motivation is a term that refers to a series of complex reactions that include: 

1) physiological responses such as changes in blood pressure and heart rate; 

2) subjective feelings such as happiness, anger, sorrow, and disgust; and 

3) expressive reactions that reflect these internal states, such as changes in facial expression or posture.

Motivation is simply the reason for an action and the factor that gives behavior its purpose and direction. Motivation is "WHAT motivates you" to act in a particular way or to take a particular action. It provides an answer to the question "WHY". Are you familiar with the term "motivation" and its definition? More importantly, do you understand why you need to know this information? Motivation is defined as providing a reason, incentive, enthusiasm, or interest that results in a specific action or behavior.

1-Biological Explanations: The Theory of Instinct

Several early theories of motivation ascribed behaviour to instincts and explained it in terms of inbred patterns of behaviour. The complexity and diversity of behaviour, as well as the undeniable role of learning and other environmental factors, were used to refute instinct theory. In the 1950's, a more useful definition emerged: An instinct is a pattern of adaptive behaviour that is formed through the interaction of genetics and normal developmental processes. A species's instincts are not invariant, but are widespread and similar among its members. While culture and education are frequently cited as substitutes for instinct, they are not. If we do not define instinct as non-learning or non-memory behaviour, we may just as easily possess instincts that enable humans to learn and form culture. Primary reinforcers are self-reinforcing. Thus, the theory demonstrated that motivation is a result of instincts and is the result of biological and genetic programming.

Drive Reduction Theory

According to the theory, we are motivated to minimise the push exerted by drives or internal stimuli representing biological needs. This is reasonable to the extent that our behaviour contributes to our ability to maintain homeostasis, or a constant biological state.

When an internal system is out of balance, a drive develops to force the system back into balance. For instance, if you're cold, you'll put on a sweater or crank up the heat. This explanation is consistent with fundamental behaviours associated with basic needs such as food and water.

Nonetheless, our actions are not always consistent with our motivations. While you may be hungry at the moment, you are not eating. Perhaps the most significant flaw in this theory is that certain behaviours actually increase internal tensions.

3-Theory of Arousal

Arousal is a term that refers to a state of physiological activation in general. Consider it the degree to which your body and mind are alert. According to arousal theory, we act in order to achieve the optimal level of arousal. When we are excessively aroused (e.g., when we are hungry), we take actions to reduce arousal (e.g., eat). When we are not sufficiently aroused (for example, when we are bored), we take actions to increase arousal (e.g, read a book). The concept is that there is an optimal level of arousal, which has been established through observations underlying the Yerkes-Dodson law. The performance vs. arousal graph is an inverted U: Performance improves with an increase in arousal until a point is reached, at which point it declines. When performing an easy task, optimal performance occurs at a higher level of arousal than when performing a difficult task.

4-The Optimal Arousal Model

As previously stated, the drive reduction model cannot be used to explain behaviours motivated by curiosity or a desire for thrill. In these instances, the optimal arousal model may be employed. This model is based on Yerkes and Dodson's 1908 work, dubbed the Yerkes-Dodson law (Feist and Rosenberg, 2015). According to the model, "we perform best when we are moderately aroused or energized, and both low and high levels of arousal/energy result in poor performance."

5 Incentive Theory

Arousal theory, as previously discussed, focuses on internal stimuli. According to the Incentive theory, certain external stimuli act as incentives, luring us toward a particular behaviour. Incentives are pleasurable external stimuli that can serve as targets for our behaviour. With regards to incentives, cognitive factors are believed to be significant.

6-Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow, a humanist psychologist, synthesized a number of disparate theories into a hierarchy of needs. According to the theory, certain needs are hierarchical in nature. We can be motivated by higher level needs only if and only if our lower level needs are met. We strive to be all that we can be once we are fed, safe, loved, and accomplished. While intuitively appealing, this theory is difficult to test experimentally. Maslow himself acknowledged that self actualization is difficult to attain, if not impossible to define.