Psychology & Sociology
Biological theories of motivation include: Instinct Theory, Arousal Theory, and Drive Reduction Theory. Motivation is the underlying drive that prompts a behavior and can be categorized as either intrinsic (derived within oneself) or extrinsic (derived from external rewards or punishments).
The instinct theory of motivation suggests that individuals are motivated to perform many behaviors simply to survive, especially innate behaviors that don't require learning. The arousal theory posits that people's behavior is motivated by the need to maintain an optimal level of arousal or psychological engagement. The Yerkes-Dodson law is an expansion of the arousal theory, stating that individuals perform best on tasks at an intermediate level of arousal. Lastly, the drive reduction theory proposes that individuals are motivated by the desire to reduce the internal discomfort caused by drives, which are internal states of discomfort that arise when homeostasis or physiological equilibrium is disturbed. This theory distinguishes between primary drives (motivating individuals to achieve biological homeostasis) and secondary drives (motivating individuals based on learned psychological or social needs).
Lesson Outline
<ul> <li>Quick review of motivation: <ul> <li>Motivation is the underlying reason that prompts a behavior.</li> <li>It can be either intrinsic or extrinsic.</li> <li>Intrinsic motivation is derived within oneself.</li> <li>Extrinsic motivation is derived from rewards or punishments from outside oneself.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Biologically based theories of motivation: <ul> <li>These theories suggest that behavior is driven by the desire to fulfill innate physiological needs.</li> <li>Examples of biological motivations include instinct, arousal, and drive reduction.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Instinct Theory of Motivation: <ul> <li>Motivation to perform behaviors simply to survive</li> <li>Especially true for innate behaviors, which don't require learning</li> <li>Examples: imprinting, bird migration, rooting reflex in newborns</li> </ul> </li> <li>Arousal Theory: <ul> <li>Motivation to maintain an optimal level of arousal or psychological engagement</li> <li>Optimal level of arousal differs for everyone.</li> <li>Yerkes Dodson law: best performance on tasks at an intermediate level of arousal</li> <li>Low arousal results in poor performance due to lack of attention; high arousal causes performance to suffer due to anxiety</li> </ul> </li> <li>Drive Reduction Theory: <ul> <li>A drive is an internal state of discomfort that occurs when homeostasis or physiological equilibrium is disturbed.</li> <li>Motivation to reduce the internal discomfort caused by drives</li> <li>Primary drives: motivation to achieve biological homeostasis (hunger, thirst)</li> <li>Secondary drives: motivation based on learned needs, which are psychological or social (social status, money, power)</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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FAQs
Instinct Theory focuses on the idea that motivation comes from innate, biologically programmed behaviors essential for survival, while Arousal Theory emphasizes the importance of maintaining an optimal level of arousal for motivation. Arousal Theory proposes that we are motivated to engage in behaviors that help us achieve an ideal balance of arousal, which can differ among individuals and situations.
Intrinsic motivation refers to the inherent desire to engage in an activity due to personal interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction, whereas extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors such as rewards, social approval, or fear of punishment. Although both contribute to an individual's motivation, intrinsic motivation is often considered more stable and effective in promoting long-term learning and personal growth.
Drive Reduction Theory posits that our behavior is motivated by the need to maintain a state of physiological equilibrium, or homeostasis. Primary drives, such as hunger and thirst, create a state of tension or discomfort, which compels us to engage in behaviors that alleviate these feelings and restore homeostasis. Secondary drives, such as the desire for social approval or wealth, are acquired through learning and also influence our motivation to engage in specific behaviors.
The Yerkes Dodson law is a principle stating that there is an optimal level of arousal for best performance on any given task. When arousal levels are too low, motivation and performance can be poor due to boredom or lack of interest. Conversely, when arousal levels are too high, anxiety and stress can impede performance. Arousal Theory incorporates the Yerkes Dodson law by emphasizing the importance of maintaining an optimal level of arousal for motivation and peak performance.
Homeostasis is the process by which our bodies maintain a stable internal environment, despite changes in external conditions. Homeostasis is closely involved in the Drive Reduction Theory, which posits that our behaviors are motivated by the need to achieve and maintain this stable state. When we experience a state of imbalance, such as hunger or thirst, our motivation to engage in behaviors that restore homeostasis increases, driving us to seek out food or water.
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