Unit 1: Motivation Flashcards
What does the study of motivation require?
objective evidence based on empirical data
-> obtained through reviewed research
What is the objective of a “theory of motivation”?
to explain motivational processes and how they work to energize and direct behaviour
How can motivation at its core be described in a simple way?
desire for change in oneself or environment
How can the desire for change manifest itself?
Changing:
- behaviour
- thoughts
- feelings
- self-concept
- environment
- relationship dynamics
What does the motivational science rely on?(methods)
emprical methods:
- testable hypothesis
- operational definitions
- observational methods: objective statistical analysis
What does motivational science reject?
non-scientific sources
concepts without supportive empirical evidence
What is important in motivational science? (regarding the nature of testing and theories)
Continual testing against new findings
need to improve useful concepts and discover new ones
What does a theory aim to do?
organise knowledge to:
- describe
- understand
- explain
phenomena
=> answer ‘why’ questions on behaviour, thoughts and feelings
What does a good theory do?
identify and explain relationships among observable phenomena (e.g. causes and effects of achievement motivation)
What are the fundamental questions the study of motivation tries to answer?
What causes behaviour?
Why does behaviour vary in its intensity?
What are the most popular theories people embrace about motivation?
Self-esteem and praise
Incentives and rewards
Self-esteem
widely believed to drive good outcomes
evidence shows its a result of life’s success (not cause)
=> effect reflecting life’s circumstances
Incentives and rewards
seemingly effective
can undermine intrinsic motivation
focus on compliance rather than genuine engagement
Which internal processes does the study of motivation focus on?
Those that give behaviour:
- energy: strength, intensity & resilience
- direction: purpose and goal
- persistence: endurance over time and across situations
Motive
Internal process that energises, driects and sustains behaviour
Internal motives
Needs
Cognitions
Emotions
Needs
essential conditions for life maintenance and well-being
generate wants, desires and strivings
Primary needs: physiological
Secondary needs: Psychological and social
Cognitions
mental events like thoughts, beliefs and self-concept
influence motivation by shaping way of thinking and approach to tasks
Cognitive motivation includes e.g. plans, mindsets and beliefs
Emotions
reactions to significant life events
create adaptive responses to challenges, threats and opportunities
prepare for and cope with circumstances
What are the 4 components of emotions?
Feelings: subjective, verbal descriptions of emotional experience
Arousal: Bodily mobilisation to cope with situational demands
Purpose: Motivational urge to accomplish something specific at that moment
Expression: nonverbal communication of emotional experience
What are external events and what do they include?
environmental, social and cultural offerings affecting internal motives
include specific unattractive and attractive stimuli and events
What do social contexts include?
general sitations (e.g. classroom)
Is motivation observable?
No
-> private unobservable experience
What are 5 tell tales to know motivation?
Behaviour
Engagement
Psychophysiology
Brain activations
Self-report
Engagement
complex, multidimensional construct involves how deeply involved a person is in a task
- behavioral
- emotional
- cognitive
- agentic
Psychophysiology
Process by which psychological states produce changes in physiology
Study of interaction between bodily and mental states
What are advantages and disadvantages of self-reports
Advantages:
directly assesses individual perceptions
easily administered
can target specific motivational aspects
Disadvantages:
discrepancy between reported motivations and behaviour
inconsistency between stated feelings and physiological indicators
