Module 37: Motivational Concepts
In this module, we will explore how psychologists define motivation and the perspectives from which they view motivated behavior.
What is Motivation?
Psychologists define motivation as a need or desire that energizes and directs behavior. Motivation can be viewed from two perspectives: nature, which includes bodily "push," and nurture, which involves the "pull" of thoughts and culture.
Four Perspectives of Motivation
- Arousal theory
- Hierarchy of needs
- Instincts and evolutionary psychology
- Drive-reduction theory
Arousal Theory
The Arousal theory is based on the idea that motivated behaviors increase arousal. This theory includes the Yerkes-Dodson law, which states that performance increases with arousal only up to a point, beyond which performance decreases.
An example of the Arousal theory in practice is when well-fed animals leave their shelter to explore and gain information. Human motivations aim to seek optimum levels of arousal, such as maintaining a balance during an exam - feeling nervous, but not too nervous to succeed.
Hierarchy of Needs
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a pyramid of human needs, starting with physiological needs that must first be satisfied before higher level safety needs and then psychological needs become active. The needs in the hierarchy include:
- Physiological needs
- Safety needs
- Belongingness and love needs
- Esteem needs
- Self-actualization needs
- Self-transcendence needs
The hierarchy of needs is not universally fixed, as some needs take priority over others. For example, starving oneself for a political statement demonstrates the flexibility of the order of needs.
Drive-Reduction Theory
This theory suggests that a physiological need creates an aroused tension state (drive) that motivates an organism to satisfy the need. For example, the need for food and water creates drives like hunger and thirst, which then leads to drive-reducing behaviors such as eating and drinking.
Optimum Arousal Theory
The Optimum Arousal theory proposes that some behaviors increase arousal, and that more difficult tasks require lower arousal for best performance.
Module 38: Hunger Motivation
Ancel Keys Semistarvation Study
This study demonstrated the power of physiological needs, specifically hunger. Male volunteers were fed enough to maintain initial weight, then their food level was cut in half for six months. As a result, the men became obsessed with food and lost interest in higher levels of the needs hierarchy.
The Physiology of Hunger
Physiological factors that produce hunger include stomach contractions, which have been demonstrated by experiments where a balloon was swallowed and a button was hit every time hunger was felt. Additionally, body chemistry and the brain play a role in regulating hunger, as low levels of glucose in the blood signal the body to feel hungry.
Understanding motivational concepts is essential across various fields, including psychology, education, and business. Theories of motivation, such as arousal theory, drive-reduction theory, and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, provide valuable insights into human behavior and the factors that drive it. These concepts can be applied in real-world scenarios to understand and motivate human behavior in different contexts.
