Motivation
What is Motivation? The influences that account for behavior. Why do people behave the way they do?
Motives: A reason or purpose for behavior Motivation may not be directly observed Explains why behavior can change over time Different stimuli can trigger the same behavior response The same stimuli can trigger different behavioral responses at different times
Motive Sometimes explained as an intervening variable:.
Sources of Motivation Biological Factors Emotional Factors Cognitive Factors Social Factors
Theories of Motivation Instinct Theory Drive Reduction Theory Optimal Arousal Theory Incentive theory
Instinct Theory Automatic & involuntary behavior patterns triggered by stimuli fixed-action patterns Unlearned & species typical responses to stimuli Does not account for WHY behavior occurs. Drinking problems were the result of Drinking Instincts modal action patterns Study instincts at birth Understanding that behavior is modified through experience. Behavior may not be genetically determined
Evolutionary Approach Behaviors exist to promote survival We look to maximize our genetic code for the next generation Largely unaware of these behaviors Differences in mate selection between males & females. Evolutionary explanations do not account for cultural practices/ideology.
Drive Reduction Theory Physiological need creates aroused tension state (a drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy that need. Pushed to reduce drives AIM? Homeostasismaintenance of steady internal state Need (food, water) Drive (hunger, thirst) Drive Reducing Behaviors (eating, drinking)
Incentive Theory Behavior directed towards attaining desirable stimuli and avoiding unwanted stimuli ** emphasizes push or pull of EXTERNAL forces Influenced by physiological, cognitive, and social factors Primary / Secondary
Optimum Arousal Theory Humans want to seek optimum levels of arousal ie) lack stimulation look for arousal/excitement ie) too much stimulation want to destress/ decrease arousal Yerkes-Dodson Law- moderate arousal optimal performance
What 10 things would you bring on a Deserted Island?
Abraham Maslow s Hierarchy of Need (Motives) Self- Actualization (maximizing potential) Esteem (respect) Belongingness & Love (acceptance, affection) Safety (nurturance, money) Motivation is based on various needs at any given time. Physiological (food, water, oxygen)
MotivationalTheory Strength Weakness InstinctTheory (Evolutionary Psychology) Drive-Reduction Theory Optimal-Arousal Maslow s Hierarchy of Needs Evolutionary psychology helps explain behavioral similarities due to adaptations from our environment Explains our motivation to reduce arousal by meeting basic needs, such as hunger or thirst Explains that motivated behaviors may decrease or increase arousal Incorporates the idea that we have various levels of needs Instinct theory explains animal behavior better than human behavior (few true human instincts) Does not explain why some motivated behaviors increase arousal Does not explain our motivation to address our more complex social needs The order may change in some circumstances. Evolutionary psychologists note absence of reproduction
Which theory BEST explains each scenario?
Scenario #1 After working all afternoon cleaning up the attic, Mr. Dixon is very thirsty and drinks a big glass of orange juice.
Scenario # 2 Bryce plays basketball because it is fun and keeps her busy during the fall and winter when there is not a lot going on. She doesn t like being bored. She chooses not to play sports during the spring because it is AP Test crunch time and having an extracurricular can get too overwhelming.
Scenario # 3 A fixed action pattern of Canadian geese is to fly south in the winter.
Scenario # 4 Six-year-old Patrick was very excited and curious when his parents took him to the circus for the first time. However, when the clowns climbed over the barrier and started playing tricks on some of the children nearby, Patrick became visibly upset. Patrick s initial curiosity and his later fear and apprehension in this situation are best explained by which theory?
Scenario # 5 Susie plays a sport because she likes to be physically active; she has chosen soccer because she enjoys the status she obtains as a soccer player.
THEORIES OF MOTIVATION SCENARIO Rodney Denman was an outstanding volleyball player during his first three years of high school, but he did not perform as well in the classroom. At the end of his junior year, he discovered that he would not be eligible for any college volleyball scholarships unless he raised his grades. During his senior year, Denman s grades rose from a D average to a B+ average while his outstanding performance on the volleyball court continued. TASK (WITH A PARTNER) Explain Rodney Denman s change in behavior using 2 theories of motivation (instinct, drive reduction, optimal arousal, & incentive).