In-class notes from Dr. Herman's general psychology course at Rutgers (Fall 2023). Contains the following info: four theories of motivation, maslow's hierarchy of needs, deci and ryan's self-determination theory, positive incentive value theory
Four perspectives in the study of motivation:
1. Instinct Theory
a. To qualify as an instinct, it must be a complex behavior with a fixed pattern
through the species and be unlearned
b. Some human motives are innate and due to genetic programming
2. Drive-reduction theory
a. The idea is that physiological needs create an arousal state that drives the
organism to reduce that need or satisfy it
b. Homeostasis - maintenance of a steady internal state / comfortability (ex:
body temp, energy levels)
c. Incentives - positive or negative stimuli that lure or repel us that motivate
behavior (reward)
3. Arousal Theory
a. The urge for the optimum level of stimulation. When all biological needs
are met, we are driven for more stimulation
b. Ex: if all a child’s basic needs are met, that child will feel free to explore
and spend a great deal of time and effort on a task even when there are
no rewards for doing so
c. The higher the economic status, the greater the range of motivational
goals
4. A Hierarchy of Motives
a. The concept that some needs take priority over others
b. Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Describes how if some motives
are unsatisfied, they can be more compelling than others and must be
satisfied first before higher-level needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:
1. Physiological Needs (bottom)
2. Safety Needs
3. Belongingness and love needs
a. Need to love and to be loved
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