Motivation drives our actions and behaviors. This unit explores what... Show more
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Layla Guthrie
11/25/2025
Psychology
Motivation
1 / 7
Motivation, Emotion & Personality
This unit explores the psychological forces that drive our behaviors and decisions. You'll learn about different types of motivation, what happens when rewards backfire, and theories that explain why we act the way we do.
Understanding motivation helps explain everything from why you study for a test to why you pursue hobbies even when they're challenging. The concepts in this unit connect directly to your daily choices and long-term goals.
Definition of Motivation
Motivation is a psychological force that pushes you to take action toward completing goals or fulfilling needs. Think of it as your internal engine that powers you through tasks and challenges.
It's essentially your drive, reason, or inspiration for doing something. When you feel motivated, you have energy and direction that helps you accomplish what you set out to do.
💡 Every action you take, from studying for a test to playing video games, is driven by some form of motivation. Recognizing what motivates you can help you become more successful!
Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from outside yourself. You perform behaviors to gain rewards or avoid negative consequences. Examples include studying to get good grades, working for money, or behaving well to earn praise from others.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. You do things because they're personally rewarding, enjoyable, or provide a sense of accomplishment. Playing an instrument because you love music or solving puzzles for the challenge are intrinsically motivated behaviors.
Most of our activities involve a mix of both types of motivation, though one type might be stronger than the other in different situations.
Understanding Motivation Types
Extrinsic motivation pushes you to act based on external factors. When you complete homework to avoid punishment or participate in a competition to win a prize, you're extrinsically motivated.
Intrinsic motivation, by contrast, drives you to engage in activities for personal satisfaction. Reading a book because you enjoy the story or practicing basketball because you love improving your skills shows intrinsic motivation.
Many activities in your life involve both types. For example, you might join a school club partially because it looks good on college applications (extrinsic) but also because you genuinely enjoy the activities (intrinsic).
🔍 Think about your favorite class or hobby - what mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate you to pursue it?
The Over-justification Effect
Sometimes too much of a good thing can backfire! The over-justification effect happens when excessive external rewards actually decrease your intrinsic motivation for an activity you previously enjoyed.
For example, if you love drawing and then start getting paid for every picture you create, you might eventually feel less joy in drawing just for fun. The external reward (money) replaces the internal satisfaction that originally motivated you.
This psychological phenomenon explains why activities that become obligations or jobs sometimes lose their appeal. It's why many teachers and parents try to balance rewards with encouraging genuine interest in learning.
Drive-Reduction Theory
The drive-reduction theory explains motivation as our biological need to maintain homeostasis - a balanced internal state in our body systems. When this balance is disrupted, we feel uncomfortable and are motivated to restore it.
For example, when you haven't eaten for hours, your blood sugar drops and you feel hungry. This uncomfortable feeling creates a drive to find food, which reduces the discomfort and returns your body to homeostasis.
This theory effectively explains basic motivations like eating when hungry, drinking when thirsty, or putting on a sweater when cold. These behaviors are directly tied to physical needs and the discomfort that comes from not meeting them.
⚡ Your body is constantly working to maintain balance, and those uncomfortable feelings like hunger and thirst are actually helpful signals that motivate you to take care of yourself!
Applications of Drive-Reduction Theory
Drive-reduction theory, developed by psychologist Clark Hull in 1943, explains motivation through operant conditioning principles. When you're hungry and eat food, the discomfort reduction acts as negative reinforcement, making you more likely to eat when hungry in the future.
The theory can extend beyond biological needs to explain other behaviors. People work jobs not just for money itself, but because money serves as a secondary reinforcer that helps obtain primary needs like food and shelter. The reduction of financial insecurity drives the motivation to work.
However, drive-reduction theory has limitations. It can't explain why people engage in behaviors that increase discomfort, like thrill-seeking activities, dangerous sports, or challenges that don't restore homeostasis. These actions actually disrupt balance yet people are still motivated to do them.
🧠 Not all of your motivations are about reducing discomfort! Sometimes you're drawn to experiences precisely because they're challenging or thrilling.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Boost Your Motivation: Unit 7 Comprehensive Guide
Motivation drives our actions and behaviors. This unit explores what motivates us, the differences between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and theories that explain why we do what we do.
Motivation, Emotion & Personality
This unit explores the psychological forces that drive our behaviors and decisions. You'll learn about different types of motivation, what happens when rewards backfire, and theories that explain why we act the way we do.
Understanding motivation helps explain everything from why you study for a test to why you pursue hobbies even when they're challenging. The concepts in this unit connect directly to your daily choices and long-term goals.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Definition of Motivation
Motivation is a psychological force that pushes you to take action toward completing goals or fulfilling needs. Think of it as your internal engine that powers you through tasks and challenges.
It's essentially your drive, reason, or inspiration for doing something. When you feel motivated, you have energy and direction that helps you accomplish what you set out to do.
💡 Every action you take, from studying for a test to playing video games, is driven by some form of motivation. Recognizing what motivates you can help you become more successful!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivation
Extrinsic motivation comes from outside yourself. You perform behaviors to gain rewards or avoid negative consequences. Examples include studying to get good grades, working for money, or behaving well to earn praise from others.
Intrinsic motivation comes from within. You do things because they're personally rewarding, enjoyable, or provide a sense of accomplishment. Playing an instrument because you love music or solving puzzles for the challenge are intrinsically motivated behaviors.
Most of our activities involve a mix of both types of motivation, though one type might be stronger than the other in different situations.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Understanding Motivation Types
Extrinsic motivation pushes you to act based on external factors. When you complete homework to avoid punishment or participate in a competition to win a prize, you're extrinsically motivated.
Intrinsic motivation, by contrast, drives you to engage in activities for personal satisfaction. Reading a book because you enjoy the story or practicing basketball because you love improving your skills shows intrinsic motivation.
Many activities in your life involve both types. For example, you might join a school club partially because it looks good on college applications (extrinsic) but also because you genuinely enjoy the activities (intrinsic).
🔍 Think about your favorite class or hobby - what mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate you to pursue it?
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Over-justification Effect
Sometimes too much of a good thing can backfire! The over-justification effect happens when excessive external rewards actually decrease your intrinsic motivation for an activity you previously enjoyed.
For example, if you love drawing and then start getting paid for every picture you create, you might eventually feel less joy in drawing just for fun. The external reward (money) replaces the internal satisfaction that originally motivated you.
This psychological phenomenon explains why activities that become obligations or jobs sometimes lose their appeal. It's why many teachers and parents try to balance rewards with encouraging genuine interest in learning.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Drive-Reduction Theory
The drive-reduction theory explains motivation as our biological need to maintain homeostasis - a balanced internal state in our body systems. When this balance is disrupted, we feel uncomfortable and are motivated to restore it.
For example, when you haven't eaten for hours, your blood sugar drops and you feel hungry. This uncomfortable feeling creates a drive to find food, which reduces the discomfort and returns your body to homeostasis.
This theory effectively explains basic motivations like eating when hungry, drinking when thirsty, or putting on a sweater when cold. These behaviors are directly tied to physical needs and the discomfort that comes from not meeting them.
⚡ Your body is constantly working to maintain balance, and those uncomfortable feelings like hunger and thirst are actually helpful signals that motivate you to take care of yourself!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Applications of Drive-Reduction Theory
Drive-reduction theory, developed by psychologist Clark Hull in 1943, explains motivation through operant conditioning principles. When you're hungry and eat food, the discomfort reduction acts as negative reinforcement, making you more likely to eat when hungry in the future.
The theory can extend beyond biological needs to explain other behaviors. People work jobs not just for money itself, but because money serves as a secondary reinforcer that helps obtain primary needs like food and shelter. The reduction of financial insecurity drives the motivation to work.
However, drive-reduction theory has limitations. It can't explain why people engage in behaviors that increase discomfort, like thrill-seeking activities, dangerous sports, or challenges that don't restore homeostasis. These actions actually disrupt balance yet people are still motivated to do them.
🧠 Not all of your motivations are about reducing discomfort! Sometimes you're drawn to experiences precisely because they're challenging or thrilling.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user