Motivation, Theories, Concepts

Question 1

DEFINE MOTIVATION:

Answer 1

Internal processes that drive and direct behaviour towards achieving specific goals or fulfilling certain needs. Involving the activation of cognitive, emotional and physiological mechanisms that energise and guide individuals to pursue desired outcomes.

Question 2

Sources of Motivation -
PHYSIOLOGICAL MOTIVATION:

Answer 2

Driven by biological needs such as hunger, thirst, sleep, and sex. These needs arise from the body’s physiological state and require fulfilment for survival and well-being.

Question 3

Sources of Motivation -
EMOTIONAL MOTIVATION:

Answer 3

Motivation stemming from emotional states such as fear, desire, joy, or anger. Emotions can drive behaviour by influencing desires, goals, and actions to seek pleasure, avoid pain, or satisfy emotional needs.

Question 4

Sources of Motivation -
COGNITIVE MOTIVATION:

Answer 4

Motivation influenced by cognitive processes such as beliefs, expectations, values, and goals. Cognitive factors shape motivation by directing attention, guiding decision-making, and determining the importance or relevance of goals.

Question 5

Sources of Motivation -
SOCIAL MOTIVATION:

Answer 5

Motivation arising from social interactions, relationships, and cultural norms. Social factors such as social approval, belongingness, competition, cooperation, and societal expectations can influence behaviour and goals.

Question 6

Concepts/Theories-
INSTINCT DOCTRINE:

Answer 6

A view that explains human behaviour as motivated by automatic, involuntary and unlearnt responses.
EXAMPLE:
Birds building nests without prior experience.

Question 7

Concepts/Theories-
DRIVE REDUCTION THEORY:

Answer 7

A theory of motivation stating that motivation arises from imbalances in homeostasis.
EXAMPLE:
Feeling thirsty and drinking water to reduce thirst.

Question 8

Concepts/Theories-
AROUSAL THEORY:

Answer 8

A theory of motivation stating that people are motivated to behave in ways that maintain what is for them an optimal level of arousal.
EXAMPLE:

Question 9

Concepts/Theories-
INCENTIVE THEORY:

Answer 9

A theory of motivation stating that behaviour is directed towards attaining desirable stimuli and avoiding unwanted stimuli.
EXAMPLE:
Seeking out exciting activities when feeling bored.

Question 10

Concepts/Theories-
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS:

Answer 10

Maslow’s hierarchy proposes that human needs are arranged in a hierarchical order, with lower-level needs requiring fulfilment before higher-level needs become motivating factors. The hierarchy consists of five levels: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualisation.
EXAMPLE:
Fulfilling physiological needs like hunger before seeking social belongingness.

Question 11

Concepts/Theories-
ALDERFER’S ERG THEORY:

Answer 11

Alderfer’s ERG theory is a modification of Maslow’s hierarchy, condensing the needs into three categories: Existence, Relatedness, and Growth. Unlike Maslow’s theory, ERG theory allows for movement between needs categories and recognises that multiple needs may be active simultaneously.
EXAMPLE:
Pursuing career advancement (growth) while maintaining work-life balance (relatedness).

Question 12

Concept of achievement motivation, some of thefactors that affect it, and how it applies to work performanceand wellbeing:

Answer 12

Achievement motivation refers to the drive or desire to excel, succeed, or accomplish challenging goals. It involves striving for excellence, seeking out opportunities for growth and advancement, and persisting in the face of obstacles. Several factors can influence achievement motivation.
Affected by Personality traits, goal setting, feedback, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, perceived competence, and organisational culture. Applied to work performance and wellbing by driving individuals to set ambitious goals, persist in the face of challenges, and seek opportunities for growth. In the workplace, achievement motivation leads to higher performance and well-being by fostering productivity, innovation, job satisfaction, and engagement.

Question 13

Biological influences on -
SEXUAL MOTIVATION (AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION):

Answer 13

1. Hormones: Levels of testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can influence sexual desire.
2. Brain Chemistry: Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin play roles in arousal, pleasure, and bonding.
3. Genetics: There may be genetic predispositions to certain sexual orientations or preferences.
4. Brain Structure: Variations in brain structures, particularly in areas like the hypothalamus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex, can influence sexual attraction and behaviour.

Question 14

Social influences on -
SEXUAL MOTIVATION (AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION):

Answer 14

1. Family Dynamics: Family attitudes towards sexuality, openness, and communication can shape an individual’s views on sex and sexual behaviour.
2. Peer Influence: Social interactions and peer pressure can impact sexual behaviours and attitudes.
3. Media and Culture: Portrayals of sex in media, cultural norms, and societal attitudes towards sexuality can shape individual beliefs and behaviours.
4. Education and Information: Access to comprehensive sex education can influence attitudes towards sex, sexual health, and consent.

Question 15

Cultural influences on -
SEXUAL MOTIVATION (AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION):

Answer 15

1. Religion: Religious beliefs and teachings often shape attitudes towards sexuality, including views on premarital sex, homosexuality, and contraception.
2. Traditions and Customs: Cultural norms and traditions regarding gender roles, marriage, and sexual practices vary widely across different societies.
3. Legal Frameworks: Laws and regulations concerning sexual behaviour, marriage, and LGBTQ+ rights can significantly impact how individuals express their sexual orientation.

Question 16

Biological influences on -
EATING:

Answer 16

1. Hunger Hormones: Hormones like ghrelin and leptin regulate hunger and satiety signals.
2. Metabolism: Individual variations in metabolic rate can influence appetite and energy expenditure.
3. Brain Signals: Areas of the brain such as the hypothalamus and brainstem regulate hunger and eating behavior.
4. Genetics: Genetic factors can influence preferences for certain foods, metabolism, and susceptibility to weight gain or obesity.

Question 17

Social influences on -
EATING:

Answer 17

1. Family Environment: Family meal patterns, food availability, and parental modeling of eating behaviors can influence food choices and eating habits.
2. Peer Influence: Social norms, peer pressure, and social activities often involve food, impacting eating behaviors.
3. Cultural Norms: Cultural practices, traditions, and celebrations often revolve around specific foods, influencing eating habits.
4. Media and Advertising: Exposure to food advertising, marketing, and societal beauty standards can influence food preferences and body image.

Question 18

Cultural influences on -
EATING:

Answer 18

1. Cuisine and Traditions: Cultural food preferences, cooking methods, and meal patterns are deeply rooted in tradition and can shape individual eating behaviours.
2. Food Taboos: Cultural beliefs and taboos surrounding certain foods can impact dietary choices and behaviours.
3. Socioeconomic Factors: Access to food, economic status, and food security vary across cultures and can influence dietary patterns and nutritional intake.
4. Globalisation: Cultural exchange and globalisation have led to the spread of different cuisines and eating habits across cultures, influencing dietary diversity.