Lesson Notes
Lesson 12.1a Biological Theories: Looking for Internal “Whys” of Behaviour
From a biological perspective, motivation has innate explanations. In this lesson you will learn about the three main biological theories of motivation.
Instinct Theory: This theory suggests that our instincts are our primary motivators. Defining what is an “instinct” can be difficult and is something that has been debated for years. Generally, instincts are those actions/behaviours that are consistent across species. For example, look at the life of a salmon. Salmon are born and will ultimately die in the same place. Although they leave the river when they are young, they all return (if they are still alive) to the place of their birth, if they can get by the fishermen, bears, and dangers of swimming upstream, to spawn and later perish.
Drive-Reduction Theory: This theory suggests that our motivations are governed by our desire to satisfy needs, such as hunger, shelter, safety. Once our drive for these needs have been achieved we reach a state of homeostasis, a sense of equilibrium to a need that is satisfied. For example, if you are hungry you will do what you need to do to satisfy this need, whether it is to get something from the fridge or buy something in a corner store. Now think about if you were in a huge plane crash, without food or water around for miles. Your drive to reduce the need for food and water would be your primary goal. You may even get to the point of eating the people who died in the crash. Do you think this sounds farfetched? Look at the true story behind the people from the movie Alive!
Arousal Theory: This theory suggests that our motivation is assisted by the level of arousal we are experiencing. In other words, what is the optimal level of arousal needed to perform your best? Is it better to be highly motivated with difficult tasks, while having low motivation for easy tasks? If you answered yes to the previous question, you would be wrong! Actually, it is better to have a moderately lower level of arousal for difficult tasks, while having high motivation is best for easy tasks. Think about it. If you were having an operation, would you want your doctor to have a high level of arousal before he opens you up? Also, if you were asked to do a boring task, don’t you think you would be bored and unmotivated if your arousal was too low. Look at the Yerkse-Dodson model for more information. Therefore, the next time you are about to write a big test try to not get too “pumped up” or be too drowsy; instead feel confident, prepared, and in control ( a sign of optimal arousal).
Lesson 12.1b Psychosocial Theories: Incentives and Cognitions
This lesson looks at forces that motivate us beyond biological needs. Examining the Incentive Theory we discuss how there are motives that “pull” us to want more -- whether that is more money, more food, more adrenaline. The Incentive Theory helps explain why we seek more even after we have satisfied the need (i.e. working overtime). The other psychosocial theory of motivation is the Cognitive Theory which explores how we explain motivation to ourselves. The main point to gather from this theory is that how we attribute our successes and failures influence the level of motivation we experience. When we feel that we have control over our successes our motivation level is higher than those who see success as something out of their control.
Lesson 12.1c Biopsychosocial Theory: Interactionism Once Again
As you read in the first module there doesn’t seem to be one theory that best explains human behaviour and mental processes, thus psychology has come up with the biopsychosocial model to offer an eclectic view of psychological processes. This is no different for explaining human motivation. The model that is most associated with this theory is Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s theory emphasizes that we all have basic needs, but that some needs must be fulfilled before others can be met. The hierarchy was designed as a pyramid to help illustrate the importance of the lower needs to the higher ones. For example, you can see how the building blocks, such as Physiological Needs, are essential for our basic survival. Without food or water, how could we expect to seek relationships with others (Belonging and Love Needs). Although there are many supporters of Maslow’s theory, critics point out that his theory is most applicable to Western, individualistic, cultures.