Notes from lecture and videos
Motivation is a need or desire that energizes behavior and directs it
towards a goal.
Aron Ralston was motivated to cut off his arm in order to free himself
from a rock that pinned him down.
The behavior to cause him cut down his arm, because he wants to be
alive instead of death.
Locus of Motivation
Intrinsic Motivation: The desire to perform a behavior for its own
sake.
Extrinsic Motivation: The desire to perform a behavior due to
promised rewards or threats of punishments.
Sometimes providing an extrinsic reward will diminish intrinsic
motivation or interest in an activity. An overjustification effect.
Components of Motivation
Motive - a stimulus that moves a person toward a behavior designed
to achieve a specific goal.
Need - a lack of something that one requires or desires.
Drive - a force that pushed a person to act.
Incentive - a force that pulls a person toward a particular goal.
Emotions - the states of the body and mind associated with feelings.
Theories of Motivation
Instinct Theory - innate, unlearned behavior, (scientist do believe
our behaviors have a genetic component - but not longer believe
instincts drive motivation)
Drive Reduction Theory - Carl Hull, 1930s. An organism will do
whatever necessary to reduce the unpleasant sensation caused by
drive (hunger, thirst)
Arousal Theory - stimulation is a primary need (mice will explore a
new environment even if no food is available) The levels of stimulation
required vary. (some people love experiencing extreme sports, other
are more comfortable just watching)
Humanistic Theory:
Abraham Maslow proposed 1943, that humans have needs beyond
survival - the need to do something important with their lives. Lower
level needs must be met first before moving up.