Motivation and Emotion

Motivation

With regards to motivation, psychologists try to answer whywhy we do what we do

Need v. Drive

What is the difference?

A need is something we lack.i.e. when we lack food, we need it to survive

A drive is the force that motivates us to actThe need become before the drive

We need food and we are driven by hunger

Why are we motivated?

• Motivation causes us to behave they way we do

• Theories of Motivation:– Instinct Theory– Drive-reduction Theory– Humanistic Theory– Socioculture Theory

Instinct Theory

• Instincts are behaviors we acquire automatically, regardless of socialization

• Motivation comes from within and is “instinctual”

• Nature or nurture?

• Today, most psychologists believe that our motives are not ONLY influenced by instincts

Drive-reduction Theory

• People do things to reduce tension and drive– We eat to reduce the hunger drive

• Homeostasis– the tendency to maintain a state of equilibrium within the body

• Usually only describes biological drives

Humanistic Theory

• Instinct theory and drive theory suggest that behavior is strictly mechanical and directed at surviving (and surviving tension)

• Humanistic theory believes that people are motivated by personal growth and fulfillment

• Abraham Maslow was a pioneer in humanistic theory

Maslow Hierarchy of Need’s

Food, water, warmth, rest (sleep)

Protection from danger, security, stability

Love, acceptance, belonging

Achievement, recognition, respect of others

Fulfillment of potential, personal

growth

Sociocultural Theory

• We have basic inbreed needs like Instinct Theory and Drive-reduction Theory suggest

• But we are also driven or motivated by cultural influences– Your preferences in food and the cravings

that come from that can be culturally driven– Example?

Psychological Needs

• We are motivated to reduce tension and external stimulation

• But we can also be motivated to increase stimulation– Sensory deprivation can be bad for a person

• Human beings need stimulation at times• Ever heard an adult say that he or she is

not being “mentally stimulated” or “intellectually challenged” at his or her job?

Happiest Nations

Psychological Needs

• Some people are more motivated than others– “achievement motivation”– People with high achievement motivation will

likely do better in school or work– But what makes them want to achieve more?

• Extrinsic rewards/motives: good grades, money, etc.

• Intrinsic reward/motives: self-satisfaction

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