Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Instincts - 314

• Instinct is a Pattern of behavior that is:– Fixed– Unlearned– Genetically programmed

• Examples include:– Migrating– Mating– Rooting– Sucking– grasping

Motivation Theories: Instinct/BiologicalWilliam James

• Wrote “Principles of Psychology”

• Social behavior instincts are inherited– Love– Sympathy– Modesty

• Survival instincts also inherited

Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Charles Darwin

Theory of the evolution of animals….

• Behavior originates from instincts

• Instincts are ADAPTIVE survival behaviors

Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Ethology (animal behavior)

• Organisms are born with certain behavior patterns

• Instincts are inherited dispositions that generate specific behavior patterns designed to attain a goal– Nest building– Bird songs

• Instincts are genetically transmitted

• Instincts are called “fixed action patterns”

Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Sociobiological

We respond in a manner that preserves our genes…..behavior gives us genetic advantage

• Herding reduces threats to the individual

• Aged/non-productive members leave the group to increase family survival chances

• Parents care for their young

Motivation Theories: Drive - Reduction Clark Hull

• Behavior is from physiological needs– Biological needs/tissue deficit leads to drive– Need to reestablish homeostasis strengthens

drive

• Drives are internal & relate to survival needs– Needs = Food / water / air– Drive ↑ as deprivation continues– Tissue imbalance = deficit = strengthened drive

Motivation Theories: Drive - Reduction Clark Hull - 314

• Behavior is to reduce need or deficit– Eat / drink / breathe– Behaviors restore balance (homeostasis)– Behaviors are reinforced through reduction of

need

• NOT consistent with Harry Harlow’s “Mother Love” Study - 315

Motivation Theories: Arousal Theory

Different individuals prefer different levels of stimulation in the environment

• Individuals SEEK activities that create desired levels of stimulation

• Individuals AVOID activities that create excessive stimulation

Motivation Theories: Arousal TheoryYerkes-Dodson Law - 325

Relationship between the task and levels of arousal

• Low difficulty tasks better with high arousal

• Moderate difficulty needs moderate arousal

• High difficulty better with low arousal

Motivation Theories: Incentive Theory - 316

Motivation produced by need for goal attainment (NOT a drive!)

• Intrinsic Motivation– Internal need for achievement– Internal reinforcements (positive feelings of

accomplishment)

• Extrinsic Motivation– Tangible / external reinforcements– Rewards & punishments shape behavior

Motivation Theories: Incentive TheoryOverjustification Effect

• When extrinsic rewards are provided for a previously intrinsic behavior……

• Behavior will decrease

• What happens…..– at school?– Professional athletes?– ?

Motivation Theories: Cognitive Consistency Theory (Leon Festinger)

• Beliefs that are in opposition create conflict (cognitive dissonance)

• Beliefs inconsistent with behavior create conflict (= cognitive dissonance)

• Individual is motivated to reduce tension created by conflict by…..– Change / modify beliefs, or…..– Change / modify behavior

Motivation Theories: Humanistic Theory (Abraham Maslow-326)

• Hierarchy of Needs – each level must be “met” before moving to next level– Physiological (food / water)– Safety (stable/secure environment)– Belongingness (Acceptance and Love)– Esteem (Achievement / competence)– Self-Actualization (fulfill potential)

Motivation Theories: Humanistic Theory (Abraham Maslow-326)