Unit 4 Flashcards
What is the origin of the word ‘motivation,’ and what does motivation generally involve?
The word ‘motivation’ comes from the Latin word ‘movere,’ meaning ‘to move’. In general, motivation involves the processes that energize, direct, and sustain behavior.
How is motivation defined in the educational field, and what role does it play in learning?
In education, motivation refers to a student’s interest in their own learning or in activities that lead to learning. It is considered a preliminary step to learning and its engine, influencing how students behave in the classroom.
What are the main perspectives on motivation discussed in the text?
The main perspectives on motivation are the Behavioral Perspective, the Cognitive Perspective, the Humanistic Perspective, and the Social Perspective.
How does the Behavioral Perspective explain motivation, and what are some key elements it emphasizes?
The Behavioral Perspective emphasizes the importance of reinforcement or punishment. It also highlights the role of incentives, which are positive or negative stimuli or events that direct attention and add interest.
What are some examples of incentives used in the Behavioral Perspective?
Examples of incentives include numerical scores, letter grades, checkmarks, stars, certificates of achievement, diplomas, verbal recognition, and special activities as rewards.
What are the potential problems associated with using positive punishment according to the Behavioral Perspective?
Positive punishments can lead to traumas and mistrust toward parents. They are also more effective at stopping bad behaviors than creating good ones.
According to the Humanistic Perspective, what is the key focus regarding motivation?
The Humanistic Perspective stresses students’ capacity for personal growth, freedom to choose their destiny, and positive qualities. It also references Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, which posits that basic needs must be met before higher needs can be satisfied.
What are the levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs includes physiological needs, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization.
How does Maslow define self-actualization, and when is it possible to achieve according to his theory?
Maslow defines self-actualization as the motivation to develop one’s full potential. It is only possible after lower needs have been met, and he cautions that most people do not reach self-actualization.
What are some discrepancies with Maslow’s theory mentioned in the text?
Some students may prioritize cognitive motivation or esteem needs even if their needs for love and belonging have not been fully met.
What is the central idea of the Cognitive Perspective on motivation?
The Cognitive Perspective suggests that students’ minds guide their motivation, focusing on intrinsic motivation, attributions, expectations for success, and their beliefs in controlling their environment.
What is a ‘belonging mindset,’ and how does it affect students?
A belonging mindset is the belief that people like you belong in a specific environment, such as a university. Positive belonging improves academic performance, while negative belonging harms it.
What is the focus of the Social Perspective on motivation?
The Social Perspective focuses on the need for affiliation or relatedness, which is the motive to securely connect with other people, including peers, parents, and teachers.
What is the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, and how do they influence behavior?
Extrinsic motivation involves doing something to obtain something else, influenced by external incentives like rewards and punishments. Intrinsic motivation involves doing something for personal enjoyment or interest.
When are students more highly motivated to learn according to the text?
Students are more motivated to learn when they are given choices, face challenges that match their skills, and receive rewards with informational value rather than control.
