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PSYCHOLOGY(8th Edition, in Modules)

David Myers

PowerPoint SlidesJessica Mulder

Worth Publishers, © 2007

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Introduction to Motivation

Module 34

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Motivation

Introduction to Motivation Instincts and Evolutionary

Psychology

Drives and Incentives

Optimum Arousal

A Hierarchy of Motivations

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Motivation

Motivation is a need or desire that

energizes behavior and directs it

towards a goal.

Alan Ralston was motivated to cut his arm to free himself

from a rock that pinned him down.

Alan Ralston

AP

Photo/ R

ocky Mountain N

ews, Judy W

algren

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Theories of Motivation

Four theories to explain motivation include:

1. Instinct Theory.2. Drive-Reduction

Theory.3. Arousal Theory.4. Hierarchy of Motives.

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Instincts TheoryInstincts are unlearned, complex

behaviors that have fixed patterns throughout species (Tinbergen, 1951).

Where the woman can build different kinds of housesthe bird builds only one kind of nest.

© A

riel Skelley/ M

asterfile

Tony B

randenburg/ Bruce C

oleman, Inc.

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Instincts Theory

• This used to be a big fad in the early 1900s• While it is true that humans have some “inborn”

behaviors, not all human motivation can be explained by instincts alone.

• Psychologists most apply this perspective when explaining human similarities, biological predispositions, the influence of evolution on behavior, and our romantic attractions.

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Drive-Reduction Theory

When the instinct theory of motivation failed it was replaced by drive-reduction

theory. Physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that

motivates an organism to satisfy the need (Hull, 1951).

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Drive Reduction

FoodDrive

Reduction

Organism

Physiological aim of drive reduction is homeostasis – maintenance of steady

internal state, e.g., maintenance of steady body temperature.

Stomach FullEmpty Stomach(Food Deprived)

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Incentive

Where our needs push, incentives (positive or negative stimuli) pull us in reducing our

drives.

A food-deprived person who smells baking bread(incentive) feels strong hunger drive.

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Optimum Arousal

Human motivation aims not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimum levels of

arousal. Young monkeys and children are known to explore environment in the

absence of a need-based drive.

Harlow

Prim

ate Laboratory, U

niversity of Wisconsin

Randy F

aris/ Corbis

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Optimum Arousal… a second look

• This theory explains why we are not just happy to sit around and eat and drink all day.

• It is because we are always seeking optimum arousal.

• Once our basic needs are fulfilled, we will explore our environments or learn new things.

• This is why we get bored when we sit around doing nothing.

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are needed to see this picture.

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Hierarch of Needs

Abraham Maslow (1970) suggested some needs

have priority over others. Physiological needs like breathing,

thirst and hunger come before psychological

needs like achievement, self-esteem and need for

recognition.

(1908-1970)

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Hierarch of Needs

Hurricane Survivors

Menahem

Kahana/ A

FP

/ Getty Im

agesM

ario Tam

a/ Getty Im

ages

David P

ortnoy/ Getty Im

ages for Stern

Joe Skipper/ R

euters/ Corbis

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Hierarch of Needs

• Maslow’s theory suggests that we must deal with our basic needs first. We cannot worry about our self-esteem or life goals if we are starving or homeless.

• Basic needs must be met FIRST!