1 PSYCHOLOGY (8th Edition, in Modules) David Myers PowerPoint Slides Jessica Mulder Worth Publishers, © 2007.

1

PSYCHOLOGY(8th Edition, in Modules)

David Myers

PowerPoint SlidesJessica Mulder

Worth Publishers, © 2007

2

Introduction to Motivation

Module 34

3

Motivation

Introduction to Motivation Instincts and Evolutionary

Psychology

Drives and Incentives

Optimum Arousal

A Hierarchy of Motivations

4

Motivation

Motivation is a need or desire that

energizes behavior and directs it

towards a goal.

Alan Ralston was motivated to cut his arm to free himself

from a rock that pinned him down.

Alan Ralston

AP

Photo/ R

ocky Mountain N

ews, Judy W

algren

5

Theories of Motivation

Four theories to explain motivation include:

1. Instinct Theory.2. Drive-Reduction

Theory.3. Arousal Theory.4. Hierarchy of Motives.

6

Instincts TheoryInstincts are unlearned, complex

behaviors that have fixed patterns throughout species (Tinbergen, 1951).

Where the woman can build different kinds of housesthe bird builds only one kind of nest.

© A

riel Skelley/ M

asterfile

Tony B

randenburg/ Bruce C

oleman, Inc.

7

Instincts Theory

• This used to be a big fad in the early 1900s• While it is true that humans have some “inborn”

behaviors, not all human motivation can be explained by instincts alone.

• Psychologists most apply this perspective when explaining human similarities, biological predispositions, the influence of evolution on behavior, and our romantic attractions.

8

Drive-Reduction Theory

When the instinct theory of motivation failed it was replaced by drive-reduction

theory. Physiological need creates an aroused tension state (a drive) that

motivates an organism to satisfy the need (Hull, 1951).

9

Drive Reduction

FoodDrive

Reduction

Organism

Physiological aim of drive reduction is homeostasis – maintenance of steady

internal state, e.g., maintenance of steady body temperature.

Stomach FullEmpty Stomach(Food Deprived)

10

Incentive

Where our needs push, incentives (positive or negative stimuli) pull us in reducing our

drives.

A food-deprived person who smells baking bread(incentive) feels strong hunger drive.

11

Optimum Arousal

Human motivation aims not to eliminate arousal but to seek optimum levels of

arousal. Young monkeys and children are known to explore environment in the

absence of a need-based drive.

Harlow

Prim

ate Laboratory, U

niversity of Wisconsin

Randy F

aris/ Corbis

12

Optimum Arousal… a second look

• This theory explains why we are not just happy to sit around and eat and drink all day.

• It is because we are always seeking optimum arousal.

• Once our basic needs are fulfilled, we will explore our environments or learn new things.

• This is why we get bored when we sit around doing nothing.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

13

Hierarch of Needs

Abraham Maslow (1970) suggested some needs

have priority over others. Physiological needs like breathing,

thirst and hunger come before psychological

needs like achievement, self-esteem and need for

recognition.

(1908-1970)

14

Hierarch of Needs

Hurricane Survivors

Menahem

Kahana/ A

FP

/ Getty Im

agesM

ario Tam

a/ Getty Im

ages

David P

ortnoy/ Getty Im

ages for Stern

Joe Skipper/ R

euters/ Corbis

15

Hierarch of Needs

• Maslow’s theory suggests that we must deal with our basic needs first. We cannot worry about our self-esteem or life goals if we are starving or homeless.

• Basic needs must be met FIRST!