Motivation

Definition of
Motivation
Motivation refers to the internal state or
condition that influences behaviour and gives it
direction in relation to psychological conditions,
interests, attitude and aspiration.
Theories of Motivation
Instinct Theory
An instinct is a descriptive term for a
complex, unlearned adaptive response , an
unlearned pattern of reflexes appearing in all
species. It is genetically predetermined
disposition to adjust in a particular situation
when confronted with certain stimuli.
Psycho-Analytic/ Drive Theory
This theory postulates that an organism is
motivated to eliminate or reduce bodily
tensions. Drive refers to any physiological
condition which impels the organism to
become active. Individual behave as they do
because their early experiences drive them
instinctively to do so.
Incentive Theory
The fundamental assumption of this theory is that
if a certain desirable goal can be anticipated
following the completion of a particular action, in
effect, the organism likely to be motivated to
perform that action. The anticipation of
undesirable goal – something aversive or
unpleasant will naturally motivate the organism
not to perform the action.
Arousal Theory
This theory assumed that, this is an alternative to
drive theory which stipulates a moderate level of
stimulation is reinforcing. Arousal is an increase
in the degree of excitement or tension of
organism. This theory presupposes that the
moderate level of stimulation is the most pleasant
and that both higher and lower levels of
stimulation are relatively unpleasant.
Solomon’s Opponent Process Theory
This theory explains that a state of positive
feeling is followed by a contrasting
negative feeling, and vice versa. The basic
assumption is that any feeling, whether
positive or negative, that experienced in
succession by the organism has a tendency
to loose some degree of intensity.
Self-efficacy Theory
The basic idea behind self-efficacy is that when
individuals feel their actions can influence the
outcome of a given situation, several things happen.
 For one, they feel much better about themselves.
Second, they feel that they have a sense of power and
control over what happens in the world. And finally,
they don't float hopelessly from one activity to the
other. In short, they actually act, think, and feel
differently than people who have no self-efficacious
beliefs.
Classification of
Motives
Physiological Needs
• These are basic, inborn, biological drives
present in all beings.
• They are called primary needs because they
are vital to life and are necessary for survival.
• These motives are deeply rooted in biological
processes and functioning.
• The body tends to maintain a state of
equilibrium called homeostasis in many internal
physiological processes.
• Need for Food
• Need for Water
• Need for Sleep and Rest
• Need for Proper Temperature
• Sex Need
• Pain Drive
• Maternal Motivation
Psychological Motivation
Psychological motives are not directed to the
survival of the organism. These are need in the sense
that the individual happiness and well-being depend
to a large extent to this psychological motives.
•Need for Affection
•Need for Achievement
•Need for Independence
•Need for Status
•Need for security