Motivation

Motivation: What does it do for us?  Connects our observable behavior to internal states  Accounts for variations in behavior  Creates perseverance in the face of adversity Motivation

Motive : Needs, wants, desires They can be biological, social, etc. STIMULUS  MOTIVE  BEHAVIOR So what motivates us?…. Instincts? (old idea) …. Drives? (newer idea) …. Incentives? (rewards ) Motivation

The Theories (what is the stimulus ?):  Evolutionary/Instinct Theories : Inborn behavioral patterns; unlearned,uniform, & universal fixed action patterns Do humans have instincts? The modern view? Motivation

Theories of Motivation Instinct Theory: The theory that all behaviors will be determined by innate factors and biologically based behaviors that generally lead to survival. The term instinct was becoming overused, so the psychologist changed the phrase they use to fixed-action patterns. Birds migrating, salmon returning to creeks to spawn Why do you think this theory became outdated? Does this theory really explain behavior?

Drive Reduction Theory Drive-Reduction Theory: The idea that a physiological need creates a state of tension (a drive) motivating and organism to satisfy their needs. Drive-reduction theory states that a person will eat food as a result of a drive of hunger (a state of tension that humans seek to correct). The theory aims for homeostasis, or biological balance Need (food, water) Drive (hunger, thirst) Drive-reducing behaviors (eating, drinking)

Theories of Motivation Cognitive Social-Learning Theory: Our behavior is determined by two factors: 1) the expectation of attaining a goal; 2) the personal value of the goal Locus of Control: our belief that we control the outcome of our own lives-intrinsic vs. extrinsic control Psychodynamic Theory: Our motivation comes from the deep, dark parts of our unconscious minds (the id). We have two basic needs: 1) Eros: desire for sex 2) Thantos: aggression and destruction **Was trying to explain mental disorders, not everyday behaviors

Those with an internal locus of control tend to be happier, less depressed, and less stressed.

Arousal Theory  Arousal Theory  We seek optimum level of excitement / arousal  High optimum level of arousal = high excitement behaviors  Perform better at high level of arousal  Yerkes-Dodson law (1908): performance increases with physiological or mental arousal, but only up to a point.  Different tasks require different levels of arousal for optimal performance

Yerkes-Dodson Law : theory that says a degree of psychological arousal (stress, anxiety, etc.) can actually improve performance, but only to a point; too much or too little arousal will decrease performance.

Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation  Extrinsic : Desire to perform behavior because of promise of reward or threat of punishment  Intrinsic : Desire to perform behavior for its own sake, for “internal” reward  Examples? Motivation

Extrinsic /Intrinsic: Which is better?  Intrinsic generally has the edge  Extrinsic still valuable, & the two often work together Problems with extrinsic motivation: Behaviors maintained by extrinsic alone may not last once motivation is gone Will a student’s grades go down if parents stop giving them money for earning As & Bs? Evidence suggests removal of extrinsic motivator results in lowered behavior levels Overjustification Effect : if we give extrinsic rewards for things someone already loves to do, the intrinsic motivation may be replaced by the extrinsic motivation (athletes, musicians) Motivation

Overjustificaion The overjustification effect is the idea that if we give extrinsic rewards or motivators for things that people already love to do and would do without a reinforcer, eventually the person’s intrinsic motivation will be replaced by that extrinsic motivation. Ex: Professional athletes, musicians

The Theories (cont.):  Incentive Theory (“Pull” theory) : External goals motivate behavior  Modifed by the Expectancy-Value Model : motivation to pursue a given goal depends on your perceived likelihood of reaching the goal and the value of that goal  Competency Theory: We have the need to prove ourselves.  Incorporates the idea of Locus of Control : our belief that we control the outcome of our own lives (also comes into play in depression theories) Motivation

Which theory of motivation?  Infant rooting to find the mother’s nipple.  Getting a glass of water when you are thirsty.  Going for a walk when you are worried or restless.  Working on a difficult jigsaw puzzle.  Studying hard to pass a test.  Crying when hurt or upset.  Developing a lasting, intimate relationship.

Which theory of motivation?  Infant rooting to find the mother’s nipple.  A)Incentive Theory  B)Drive-Reduction  C)Instinct Theory  D)Cognitive Theory (Locus)

Which theory of motivation?  Going for a walk when you are worried or restless.  A)Incentive Theory  B)Drive-Reduction  C)Instinct Theory  D)Cognitive Theory (Locus)

Which theory of motivation?  Studying hard to pass a test.  A)Incentive Theory  B)Drive-Reduction  C)Instinct Theory  D)Cognitive Theory (Locus)

Which theory of motivation?  Crying when hurt or upset.  A)Incentive Theory  B)Drive-Reduction  C)Instinct Theory  D)Cognitive Theory (Locus)

The Theories (cont.): Humanistic Theory: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Motivation Abraham Maslow (Humanist) Needs motivate behavior Natural hierarchy of human needs “Lower” needs must be met before higher can be met Criticisms?

Maslow’s Hierarchy Maslow said that there is a natural hierarchy or rank to the needs humans have. Before one of the higher needs can be fulfilled, the needs on the levels below must be met, at least to some degree. Most needs are met at a rate of about 85% before a person can move onto a higher need.

Criticism of Maslow Although critics will admit Maslow’s Hierarchy was the first real step toward a comprehensive theory of motivation, they say it isn’t complete. People often neglect their basic biological needs for more social needs Cross-cultural needs: individualistic vs. collectivist cultures see needs differently Sensation seeking: Why would someone jump out of a plane for “fun?” Other areas it doesn’t explain?

Does Maslow’s Hierarchy do a adequate job of explaining motivation?