Motivation

PSY151 B _ Semester: I : 2012-2013

Reference: 1.Introduction to Psychology; 7th (ed); Morgan, King, Weisz and Schopler, 1993, Tata McGraw-Hill pub.

What Is Motivation?
Motivation refers to the - driving and - pulling forces - goal directed behaviour Why do we behave as we do? Why an individual behaves in a certain way?

 Not directly observed Motives as Inference -making inferences from behaviour *Unconscious motivation Motives as Explanations- explaining everyday behaviour Motives as Predictors Prediction of behaviour

Theories of Motivation
Drive theories Incentive theories Opponent Process theories Optimal Level theories

* Theories of Motivation try to explain the mechanism behind urges, drives, needs, striving, and goals of human beings

Drive Theories
Push theories Homeostasis- mechanism for maintaining equilibrium of body environment such as, temperature, blood sugar level Central Idea- Behaviour is the outcome of the push from the basic biological drives and this happens due to the imbalance created due to biological needs Ex. Hunger, Thirst, Fatigue etc. The Motivational Cycle

The Motivational Cycle

Driving State

Reduction in Driving State and Satisfaction

Goal directed behaviour

Attainment of the Goal

The Driving State

Theories differ from each other on the basis of the source of driving state Driving state is
Inborn / instinctive (Freud) Learned (Social Motivation)

Incentive Theories
Pull Theories Central Idea: The characteristics of the Goal plays a vital role in motivation Goals provide incentive and pull behaviour Positive and Negative Incentives Ex. Type of Food (Normal Menu Vs. Special Menu in mess) Positive incentives and expectation of pleasure

Opponent Process Theories

Based on Hedonism Seeking goals that give pleasure Motivation is linked to Feelings/ Emotion
Ex. motivation for objects that will give positive feelings

Central Idea: Many Emotional/ Motivational states are followed by opposite states
Feeling of pleasure followed by sadness

- Explanation of addiction, thrill seeking

 Peak of emotional-motivational state (soon after the occurrence of emotion provoking situation - EPS) Adaptation and decline to a steady state (EPS still present) Termination of EPS after reaction in the form of opposite state Opposite state gradually declines to baseline

The Process
Pick of Emotional Motivational State

Decline of Emotional Motivational State

The opponent State

Base line

Decline of opponent state to Base line

Optimal-Level Theories
Just-Right theories Hedonistic Theories
there is a certain optimal, or best, level of arousal that is pleasurable Motivation leads the individual to behave in certain ways to maintain the optimal level of arousal
( Morgan & King; p 272)

Different Levels of Motivation

Biological Motivations
Hunger, Thirst , Sex

Social Motivations
Need for Achievement, Affiliation Power

Biological Motivation
Based on Physiological State of the body Hunger, Thirst, Temperature regulation, Sleep, Pain avoidance, Need for oxygen Homeostasis
The mechanism which maintain the equilibrium of internal physiological processes within our body Temperature, Body water level, Fluid level, etc.

Social Motives
Complex motivational states Learned in social groups like family Generally persistent till the goal is achieved after achievement moves to another direction/ goal Achievement motivation Affiliation motivation Power Motivation

Need for achievement

Most studied Task orientation Source Fear of failure Behaviour: Moderately challenging tasks; realistic; feedback; success and raise in aspiration; control

Power Motivation
Goals: Influence, control, persuade, lead Impulsive and aggressive action, competitive activities, joining organizations where they can hold positions, drinking, collecting possessions, choosing certain occupations Machiavellianism
Expression of power motivation by manipulating and exploiting others; using deception; not following conventional morality

Self- Actualization Motivation

Abraham Maslow (1954) Need Hierarchy Model Self actualization Need refers to individuals need to develop his or her potentialities (Morgan & King, p 298)

Frustration of Motives
Frustration The blocking of behaviour directed towards a goal
Consequences: depression, fear, guilt etc.

Source of Frustration
Environmental forces (lack of money, some specific people) Personal inadequacies Conflict between and among motives

Conflict of Motives
Major source of producing frustration The expression of one motive interferes with the expression of other motives Ex. Conflict between Independence and Affiliation need

Types of Conflict
Approach - Approach Conflict Approach - Avoidance Conflict Avoidance - Avoidance Conflict Multiple Approach - Avoidance Conflict

Approach - Approach Conflict

Conflict between two goals with positive outcomes Ex. Hunger and Sleep Can be resolved by attaining one goal at a time

Approach Avoidance Conflict

The Goal object has both positive as well as negative outcomes Individual is attracted toward a positive goal but the goal has some threat/ fear attached to it Most difficult to resolve

Avoidance Avoidance Conflict

Two negative goals Vacillation Escape Day dreaming and regression

Multiple Approach Avoidance Conflicts

Multiple goals with positive and negative outcomes Internalized values