MEP - Theories of Motivation Project

Tisha Kaur

Theories of Motivation Project

GAVS AP Psychology AB

Theory introduction

Maslow's Theory

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

• The Cognitive Dissonance Theory suggests that individuals are motivated to reduce cognitive inconsistencies or dissonance between beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors.
• It posits that people are motivated to achieve consistency and reduce psychological discomfort.

• Maslow's Theory, also known as the Hierarchy of Needs, suggests that individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs, ranging from basic physiological needs to self-actualization.
• It proposes that higher-order needs become motivating factors only after lower-order needs are satisfied.

Theory Introduction

Evolutionary Theory of Emotion

Drive Reduction Theory

Arousal Theory

• The Arousal Theory proposes that individuals seek an optimal level of arousal or stimulation to perform tasks effectively.
• It suggests that people are motivated to increase or decrease arousal levels depending on the situation and individual diffe

• The Evolutionary Theory of Emotion argues that emotions, including motivation, are adaptive responses shaped by natural selection.
• It suggests that emotions and motivations have evolved to enhance survival and reproductive success.

• This theory posits that motivation arises from the need to reduce physiological discomfort and satisfy biological needs.
• It suggests that organisms are motivated to maintain homeostasis by reducing drives such as hunger, thirst, or arousal.

(https://slideplayer.com/slide/12981891/)

(https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/behavior/physiological-and-sociocultural-concepts-of-motivation-and-attitudes/a/motivation-article-2 )

Scenario 1: Education

Emily is a high school senior preparing for college entrance exams while juggling various extracurricular activities and familial expectations. She dreams of attending a top-tier university and pursuing a career in medicine.

• Emily comes from a modest background where education is highly valued. Her parents, both professionals, emphasize the importance of academic excellence and encourage her to aim for prestigious universities. Additionally, Emily is actively involved in her school's community and has a part-time job.
• Her primary motivation stems from her aspiration to pursue a career in medicine and make her parents proud. She is driven by the desire for academic achievement, future opportunities, and the fulfillment of her long-term goals.
• Emily's motivation fuels her dedication to studying diligently, seeking academic support, and actively participating in extracurricular activities. It influences her decisions regarding college applications, course selections, and long-term career planning, shaping her educational trajectory and future prospects.

(Images from Genially.)

Emily & the Drive Reduction Theory

This theory suggests that motivation arises from the desire to reduce physiological discomfort or tension caused by unmet needs. In Emily's case, her motivation to excel academically and secure admission to a prestigious university can be explained through this theory.

• Emily experiences psychological discomfort (drive) associated with the fear of not meeting her academic goals or fulfilling her parents' expectations. This discomfort motivates her to engage in behaviors aimed at reducing this tension, such as studying diligently, seeking academic support, and participating in extracurricular activities to bolster her college applications.

• When Emily feels anxious about an upcoming exam, she experiences physiological arousal and heightened stress levels. To alleviate this discomfort, she immerses herself in studying, focusing on mastering the material and performing well on the exam. As a result, her motivation to reduce the drive for academic achievement influences her study habits and academic performance.

Scenario 2: Work

Mark is a mid-level manager in a competitive corporate environment, striving to secure a promotion to a senior leadership position.

• Mark's background has been with the company for several years, demonstrating strong leadership skills and a track record of success in his current role. He is ambitious and driven by the desire for career progression, financial stability, and professional recognition.
• Mark's primary motivation revolves around his aspiration for career advancement and achieving greater influence within the organization. He is motivated by the prospect of increased responsibilities, higher compensation, and the validation of his skills and capabilities.
• His motivation drives him to proactively seek opportunities for skill development, network with key stakeholders, and demonstrate his value through exemplary performance. It influences his strategic decision-making, leadership style, and professional demeanor as he endeavors to position himself for career advancement and achieve his long-term goals.

(Images from Genially.)

Mark & Maslows Theory of Hierarchy of Needs

This theory posits that individuals are motivated by a hierarchy of needs, progressing from basic physiological needs to higher-order needs such as self-esteem and self-actualization. In Mark's case, his motivation for career advancement and seeking a promotion can be understood through this theory.

• Mark's pursuit of a promotion reflects his desire to fulfill higher-order needs for esteem and self-actualization. He seeks recognition, respect, and validation of his skills and capabilities within the organizational hierarchy. Additionally, the promise of increased responsibilities and opportunities for personal and professional growth motivates him to strive for advancement.
• When Mark is passed over for a promotion in favor of a colleague, he experiences a sense of disappointment and frustration. However, he remains resilient and determined to achieve his career goals. He views the promotion as a means of fulfilling his need for esteem and recognition, driving him to actively seek feedback, acquire new skills, and demonstrate his value to the organization in pursuit of future opportunities for advancement.

Drive Reduction Theory vs. Maslow's Theory

Emily

Mark

In Emily's scenario, Drive Reduction Theory explains her motivation to study as driven by the need to reduce physiological discomfort associated with academic pressure. It predicts that she will engage in behaviors aimed at alleviating this discomfort, such as studying diligently to achieve academic success. Strengths: It provides a clear explanation for Emily's motivation to study, emphasizing the role of physiological drives in behavior. Weaknesses: It may oversimplify motivation by focusing solely on biological factors and failing to account for the influence of social and cognitive factors. For an analysis of motivational factors, it focuses primarily on physiological factors driving motivation, such as hunger or arousal levels. For an explanation of human behavior, it provides a mechanistic explanation, emphasizing the role of biological drives in motivating behavior.

Maslow's Theory suggests that Mark's motivation for career advancement stems from the need for esteem and self-actualization. It predicts that once his basic physiological and safety needs are met, he will prioritize higher-order needs, such as recognition and fulfillment in his career. Strengths: It offers a comprehensive framework for understanding motivation, considering various levels of needs and personal growth. Weaknesses: Critics argue that the hierarchical structure of needs may not apply universally, and the theory's rigid sequence may not accurately reflect the complexity of human motivation. For an analysis of motivational factors, it considers a broader range of motivational factors, including social and psychological needs such as belongingness and self-actualization. For an explanation of human behavior, it offers a nuanced understanding of human behavior, considering the influence of both internal and external factors on motivation and personal growth.

Conclusion

In summary, Drive Reduction Theory and Maslow's Theory offer unique perspectives on human motivation. Drive Reduction Theory highlights the role of physiological needs and direct drive reduction, explaining motivations rooted in alleviating discomfort, as seen in Emily's diligent studying. Conversely, Maslow's Theory presents a comprehensive framework considering various needs levels and personal growth, evident in Mark's pursuit of career advancement for recognition and fulfillment. These theories underscore the complexity of human motivation, encompassing biological, psychological, and social factors. Applying them in everyday life enhances understanding and facilitates goal attainment in diverse contexts such as education, work, and relationships, guiding individuals and organizations towards fostering growth and success.

References

(N.d.). Retrieved from https://oertx.highered.texas.gov/courseware/lesson/2133/overview Created with Hot Potatoes by Half-Baked Software, registered to D. Dydek. (n.d.). Chapter 10. Retrieved from https://www.austincc.edu/ddydek/Ch10tutorial Lange, Cannon, Bard, Maslow, A., Johnson, V., Kinsey, A., & Ralson, A. (n.d.). Unit 8A: Motivation and emotion: Motivation - ppt download. Retrieved from https://slideplayer.com/slide/12981891/ Lolliot, S., Holt-Robinson, C., Johnson, K., Barnes, S., Ritland, L., Grose-Fifer, J., … Perlmutter, M. (2021). Motivation. Retrieved from https://pressbooks.cuny.edu/jjcpsy101/chapter/motivation/ Motivation article (article). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat/behavior/physiological-and-sociocultural-concepts-of-motivation-and-attitudes/a/motivation-article-2