Motivation and Emotion

Drive reduction theory is a theory that states: a physiological need creates a drive, or an aroused tension state, which motivates an organism to satisfy a need. The main goal of this theory is for the organism to retain homeostasis. To sum it up, if an organism has a lack of a need, the brain is going to do what it can do to be able to restore the body to a steady internal state A.K.A homeostasis. For example Joe is starving and this is a drive that causes him to want to eat and not concentrate. Because his brain wants to retain homeostasis, it does everything possible to get him back to homeostasis.

Theories can never be proven, only supported or rejected. Although there are many theories of motivation, there are only a few that I feel can be relevant and valuable in the work setting. Before settling on a theory to use to assist with the creation of my specific theory of motivation, I wanted to get a better understanding of some of the most well-known motivational theories. Throughout my research I’ve noticed a common trend in the motivational theories and how they are applied. Many theories such as McClelland’s Needs Theory (1961), Maslows’ Hierarchy of Needs Theory (1954), and

Human motivation is a physiological drive that we all have inside ourselves. There is no way to completely avoid it. Some drives we have are for basic necessities of survival, like the feelings of thirst and hunger. Obviously we must give into the drive that our body is signaling to us we must have because food and water are essential for us to live. When our behavior is directed by means of survival this is something known as homeostasis. “According to drive theory, the body maintains a condition of homeostasis, in which any particular system is in balance or equilibrium (C.L. Hull, 1951). Any departure from homeostasis, such as depletion of nutrients or a drop in temperature, produces an aroused condition, or drive, which impels the individual to engage in appropriate action such as eating, drinking, or seeking warmth. As the body’s need is met, the drive and associated arousal subside.” (Garrett, pg. 161)

This theory states that one cannot learn unless there is a drive that forces one into action to produce some kind of reward. This satisfies the drive and reduces the psychological or physiological need. (Drive Reduction Theory, 2011). An example of a psychological need is a desire for love. One will seek out others to be a part of one’s life. An example of a physiological need is hunger. One will look for food when hungry.

Motivation is the number one driving force behind anything and everything an individual does each day. “Motivation is the desire to do the best possible job or to exert the maximum effort to perform an assigned task. Motivation energizes, directs, and sustains human behavior directed towards a goal.” (Honor, 2009). Motivation can determine the outcome of projects, goals, and can set limits on what an individual can obtain or what they believe they can obtain. Motivation often is the deciding factor on how successful a project in an organization is, and an individual’s needs and desires can both influence a person’s motivation greatly. Motivation can also determine how well an individual does in school, college, or university.

I disagree with the drive theory. The drive theory states that behavior is motivated by drives that arise from biological needs that demand satisfaction. I think that behavior is motivated by things other than biological needs. For example, someone who has anorexia has a biological need that is not being met which is food. According to the drive theory they should have behavior that is motivated by meeting the biological need of hunger.

To begin this discuss a definition of motivation is presented. Motivation involves the biological, emotional, social and cognitive forces that activate behavior. In everyday usage, the term motivation is frequently used to describe why a person does something (Motivation Psychological Factors That Guide Behavior, 2016).

4. 3 Major Types of Motivation Theories  Content Theories of Motivation WHAT motivates us  Process

Drives - are innate biological mechanisms. For example acts of hunger or thirst (Heffner and Heffner, 2016)

One key concept of motivation is autonomy. In Drive, Pink states, “Human beings have an innate inner drive to be autonomous, self-determined, and connected to one another. And when that drive is liberated, people achieve more and live richer lives.” This is a core drive that exists within people from birth.

There are various different contemporary theories of motivation however the two most present contemporary theories of motivation that will be discussed are Adams Equity theory as well as Kelly and Rotter’s Attribution theory.

A theory that supports motivation is the self determination theory. In the self determination theory people need to grow and gain fulfillment by a drive in them. Self Determination is the process of deciding how to act on ones environment. When one is trying to overcome a challenge or encountering a new experience a person wants to gain the knowledge to succeed over the new challenge. When self determination theory is in focus internal factors are at play; a person is primarily focused on the need to gain knowledge or independence. There are three factors that contribute to a student’s self determination and the needs are linked to the student’s

Motivation and theories -------------------------- 2.1. Definition and theory framework ------------------------------------ Motivation can be described as the driving force of individual behaviour to fulfill needs or achieve goals. Mitchell defines motivation as 'the degree to which an individual wants and chooses to engage in certain specified behaviours' (Mullins 2002:418). In terms of this definition, various theories have been developed around.

There are two types of theories of motivation – Early and Contemporary Theories of Motivation. Abraham Maslow's

Motivation is a very broad term that is discussed in a variety of settings. There is the motivation to perform in a business setting, the motivation to perform on the field of competition, the motivation to provide for friends and family, and the motivation to accomplish goals that have been set. These are all various motivations that any one person can be involved with at any time. According to Maslow, motivation always exists within a person and in various forms, “...motivation is constant, never ending, fluctuating, and complex, and that it is an almost universal characteristic of practically every organismic state of affairs” (Maslow, 1954). As complex as motivation seems, it is everyone’s intention to identify their personal