Cognitive Theories of Motivation Flashcards
Intrinsic Motivation
In the activity. A term used to describe the incentive we feel to complete a task simply because we find it interesting or enjoyable
Extrinsic Motivation
Often equated with activities that are carried out to receive external rewards
Flow theory
Often described as a pleasant and motivating state that is likely to occur when there is an optimal balance between challenge and skill
Affiliation motive
A wish for mutually satisfying relationships on the same level: harmonious integration, pleasant nonverbal behaviour, better memory communal events
Power motive
Need for relationships with the aim to influence or have power over others: subtly change views of group and emerge as leader, opportunities to gain influence, effective leaders (not too high)
Dual nature of power (two) faces: socialized (prosocial) and personalized (dominant)
Achievement Motive
Wish for reaching high standards of excellence: prefer tasks of moderate difficulty, persist longer in tasks after failure, more satisfaction after completing a task
Autonomy Motive
Need for self-preservation by establishing and protecting boundaries between self and others
Explicit and Implicit Motives
Explicit: Conscious preferences (I think this is valuable and I like it)
Implicit: Affective Preferences (This is fun!) (TAT,PSE,OMT,MMG)
Self-Determination Theory
More flow, intrinsic motivation, and well-being in situations when experiencing relatedness, autonomy, and competence (three universal human needs). The theory suggests that individuals will seek out situations that allow for the satisfaction of these three needs repeatedly.
Motive- Disposition Theory
Three Big Motives: Affiliation, Power, Achievement (sometimes autonomy)
Dimension: implicit, explicit
Enactment strategy: approach, approach to avoid, avoidance.
Explicit motives explain the choices we consciously make,
but implicit motives describe the experiences that bring
us pleasure. As a result, together they predict behaviours.
Self-Regulation Theory (Personal-Systems-Interaction Theory)
Concerned with individual differences in the regulation of affect.
2 dispositions (different types of people):
- Action orientation: the ability to maintain volitional functioning
under threatening or demanding conditions (good self-regulation)
- State orientation: the inability to terminate an unwanted affective
state which inhibits volition and self-growth (poor self-regulation)
When do we need self-regulatory abilities
Stress, either low positive or high negative affect, Action and state-oriented individuals do not differ in the absence of an unwanted affective state
Abilities:
Demand: Demand-related action or state orientation is the ability to up- regulate positive affect: being able to generate positive affect to self-motivate and act on our goals and intentions
**Threat: **Threat-related action or state orientation is the ability to down-
regulate negative affect: being able to overcome negative and
unsuccessful experiences and integrating them into our self-concept to experience self-growth
Rethinking Positive Thinking
Attribution Theory
Attribution theories describe
styles of how individuals
explain their successes and
failures in specific situations.
Approach & Avoidance motivation
Approach Motivation is when a person is motivated by the wish to achieve a positive outcome; actively seeking out positive affect
(e.g., studying for a good grade or out of interest)
Avoidance Motivation is when a person is motivated by the wish to avoid a negative outcome; trying to minimize negative affect (e.g., studying in order to not fail an exam
