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PSYCHOLOGY(8th Edition, in Modules)
David Myers
PowerPoint SlidesJessica Mulder
Worth Publishers, © 2007
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Motivation
Introduction to Motivation Instincts and Evolutionary
Psychology
Drives and Incentives
Optimum Arousal
A Hierarchy of Motivations
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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
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Theories of Motivation
Four theories to explain motivation include:
1. Instinct Theory.2. Drive-Reduction
Theory.3. Arousal Theory.4. Hierarchy of Motives.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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)
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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.
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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
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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.
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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)
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Hierarch of Needs
Hurricane Survivors
Menahem
Kahana/ A
FP
/ Getty Im
agesM
ario Tam
a/ Getty Im
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David P
ortnoy/ Getty Im
ages for Stern
Joe Skipper/ R
euters/ Corbis