Motivation UNIT 1 Flashcards
What is a simple definition of motivation?
Motivation is the desire for change in behavior, thoughts, feelings, self-concept, environment, or relationships
Why is motivation considered a behavioral science?
It requires objective, empirical evidence from rigorous, peer-reviewed research, not just common sense or opinion.
What is the goal of motivation theories?
To explain motivational processes and how they energize, direct and maintain the persistence of behavior.
What does motivational science rely on?
Empirical methods, including testable hypotheses, operational definitions, and statistical analyses.
Why must motivational concepts be continually tested?
To refine useful ideas and discard those without empirical support.
What is the role of a theory in motivation studies?
A theory helps describe, understand, and explain motivational phenomena, such as the causes and effects of achievement motivation.
What are the two fundamental questions in motivation research?
1) What causes behavior?
2) Why does behavior vary in intensity?
What are common misconceptions about motivation?
A) Self-esteem: It is an effect of success, not a cause of motivation.
B) Incentives & rewards: Can undermine intrinsic motivation when removed.
What are the three characteristics of motivated behavior?
A) Energy: Strength and intensity.
B) Direction: Purpose and goal-oriented action.
C) Persistence: Endurance over time and across situations.
What are the three main internal motives?
Needs, cognitions, and emotions.
What are needs, and what are their types?
Needs are essential conditions for survival and well-being.
A) Physiological Needs: Hunger, sleep.
B) Psychological & Social Needs: Power, achievement, belongingness.
How do cognitions influence motivation?
Through thoughts, beliefs, goals, and self-concept, which shape how people approach tasks.
What are the four components of emotions in motivation?
A) Feelings: Subjective experience.
B) Arousal: Physiological response.
C) Purpose: Motivational drive.
D) Expression: Nonverbal communication.
What are external events in motivation?
Environmental, social, and cultural factors that influence internal motives.
How can incentives negatively affect motivation?
While they can encourage behavior, they may reduce intrinsic motivation if removed. The same task will be less likely to be performed again if there is no reward to do it
How can motivation be measured?
Through five observable indicators:
A) Behavior: Actions and persistence.
B) Engagement: Active participation.
C) Psychophysiology: Physical responses (e.g., heart rate).
D) Brain activations: Neural activity related to motivation.
E) Self-report: Individual perceptions of motivation
What are the four types of engagement?
A) Behavioral Engagement: Effort and persistence.
B) Emotional Engagement: Interest and enjoyment.
C) Cognitive Engagement: Strategic thinking.
D) Agentic Engagement: Proactive involvement.
What is a motive?
It’s an internal process which energises, directs and sustains behaviour
