Motivation

Question 1

How do psychologists define “motivation?”

Answer 1

the process by which activities are started, directed and sustained so that certain needs are met

Question 2

What are the 5 approaches or schools of thought regarding motivation?

Answer 2

1. evolutionary
2. drive-reduction
3. incentive
4. optimum arousal
5. Maslow’s hierarchy

Question 3

What does the evolutionary theory of motivation state?

Answer 3

instincts predispose a species to particular behaviors

innate, NOT learned

Question 4

What are examples of the evolutionary theory of motivation?

Answer 4

• a baby’s suckling reflex

- “imprinting” in baby chicks, where they follow whoever they see upon hatching

Question 5

What does the drive-reduction theory of motivation state?

Answer 5

people are motivated to take action in order to lessen the state of arousal caused by a physiological need

Question 6

What is an example of the drive-reduction theory of motivation?

Answer 6

-thirsty and tired at at the gym after exercising for so long, but your trainer says you can only take a water break once you do 50 more lunges

Question 7

What is the optimum arousal theory of motivation?

Answer 7

people are motivated to reach full arousal or full alertness

Question 8

What is an example of the optimum arousal theory of motivation?

Answer 8

paying $50 to get into an amusement park to spend 30 seconds on a super high/fast/scary roller coaster

-it’s almost like a natural high

Question 9

What is the incentive theory of motivation?

Answer 9

people are motivated by external rewards

• external Rewards = extrinsic motivation
• intrinsic motivation refers to cognitive processes

Question 10

What is an example of the incentive theory of motivation?

Answer 10

studying hard on the MCAT so you can get into medical school

Question 11

What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs regarding motivation?

Answer 11

people are motivated by the desire to fulfill unmet needs

Abraham Maslow believed that all people strive to meet a hierarchy of needs in ascending order

Question 12

What is the main difference between Incentive Theory and Drive Reduction Theory?

Answer 12

Incentive = rewards (external, community based)

Drive Reduction = physiological needs (internal, individually based)

Question 13

What is the “expectancy” theory of motivation?

Answer 13

expectancy + intrumentality + valence = motivation

1. expectancy: how likely EFFORT leads to performance
2. instrumentality: how likely PERFORMANCE leads to reward
3. valence: the degree of value that reward has for the individual