Motivation
Motivation explains why people behave as they do. Some scientists view motivation as the factor that determines behaviour, as expressed in the phrase "All behaviour is motivated".(World Book, 1986, p.721). Other scientists focus on two certain aspects of motivated behaviour, excitement or exhilaration of behaviour, that is motivation arouses an organism and causes it to act, and the direction of behaviour, which is lead by habits, skills, abilities and structural features. (World Book, 1986).This essay aims to describe the four theories of motivation, Instinct theory, Sociobiology, Drive-Reduction theory and Incentive theory. I will be relating each theory to George's behaviour and whether they do or do not apply to George's behaviour. Instinct is behaviour that is inherited rather than learned. Instinct is an inborn tendency/biological force that dominates behaviour. (Weiten, 1995). William McDougall (1908) viewed instincts as unlearned, universal in expression and universal in a species. (Weiten, 1995). John Bowlby (1969) views instinct with regards to baby's attachment to their parents or caregivers, as in-built. His reason for this development is that babies stay close to their parents because they are provided with
Drive Theory: Clark Hull (1884-1952) defines a drive as an "observation that organism's seek to maintain homeostasis, a state of physiological equilibrium/stability". (Hull in Weiten, 1995, p.378). A drive assists an organism in alleviating inner tension. For example drinking to alleviate thirst. Drive theory explains why people eat, sleep, seek pleasure, avoid pain and engage in sex. [Wortman, C. , Loftus, E. and Weaver, C. (1999)]. According to Hullian theorists, there is a distinction between Primary and Secondary drives. Primary drives are the most basic, inborn needs in our psychological systems and secondary drives, also known as learned motives, are learned through association with the reduction of primary drives. [Wortman, C. , Loftus, E. and Weaver, C. (1999)]. It is understood that most drive theories are unlearned, biological drives, which progressively develop a bigger set of appropriate drives through learning. [Wortman, C. , Loftus, E. and Weaver, C. (1999)]. In relation to George, incentive theory is very suitable to his behaviour. George's behaviour is highly individualistic. Very few people would subject themselves to what George did. George persevered, ran the marathon, and achieved his goal. George's incentive was an external psychological motivation. (Weiten, 1995). Incentive Theory is striving towards attaining external goals. Incentive theorists believe that the source of motivation is external, in the environment, Incentives 'pull' you to act, whereas drives 'push' you to act. Incentive theory is not related to the principle of homeostasis, it emphasises environmental factors. (Weiten, 1995).
Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1243
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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