Motivation: Driving Forces Behind Behavior

This page introduces the concept of motivation in psychology and distinguishes between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Key points include:

• Motivation is defined as the psychological force initiating behaviors to complete goals and fulfill needs.

• Extrinsic motivation comes from external factors like money or praise, while intrinsic motivation stems from internal factors like enjoyment or pride.

• The overjustification effect occurs when excessive external rewards reduce intrinsic motivation.

• Several theories explain motivation, including drive reduction theory, arousal theory, and incentive theory.

Definition: Motivation is a psychological force that initiates behaviors necessary to complete goals and fulfill needs.

Example: A student studying for an exam out of interest in the subject demonstrates intrinsic motivation, while one studying to get a good grade shows extrinsic motivation.

Highlight: Understanding the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation is crucial for effectively motivating oneself and others.

Theories of Motivation: Drive Reduction and Arousal

This page delves into two major theories of motivation: drive reduction theory and arousal theory. Key points include:

• Drive reduction theory posits that biological drives to maintain homeostasis motivate behaviors.

• American psychologist Clark Hull developed drive reduction theory in 1943, using operant conditioning principles to explain motivation.

• Arousal theory suggests people have unique optimal levels of psychological arousal for satisfaction.

• The Yerkes-Dodson Law relates psychological arousal to task performance, showing an inverted U-shaped relationship.

Vocabulary: Homeostasis refers to the body's internal state of equilibrium.

Example: Drive reduction theory explains why we eat when hungry or seek shelter when cold.

Highlight: The Yerkes-Dodson Law demonstrates that moderate levels of arousal lead to optimal performance, while too little or too much arousal can impair performance.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

This page introduces Abraham Maslow and his hierarchy of needs theory. Key points include:

• Abraham Maslow (1908-1970) was an American psychologist and the father of Humanistic Psychology.

• Humanistic Psychology emphasizes humans' inherent drive towards self-actualization.

• Maslow's hierarchy of needs proposes that people are motivated to fulfill certain needs in a specific order.

• The hierarchy suggests that some needs take precedence over others.

Definition: Self-actualization is the process of realizing and expressing one's full capabilities.

Highlight: Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides a comprehensive framework for understanding human motivation, from basic physiological needs to higher-level psychological needs.