Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Instincts - 314

1. 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

2. Motivation Theories: Instinct/BiologicalWilliam James • Wrote “Principles of Psychology” • Social behavior instincts are inherited • Love • Sympathy • Modesty • Survival instincts also inherited

3. Motivation Theories: Instinct/Biological Charles Darwin Theory of the evolution of animals…. • Behavior originates from instincts • Instincts are ADAPTIVE survival behaviors

4. 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”

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Motivation Theories: Incentive TheoryOverjustification Effect • When extrinsic rewards are provided for a previously intrinsic behavior…… • Behavior will decrease • What happens….. • at school? • Professional athletes? • ?

12. 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

13. 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)

14. Motivation Theories: Humanistic Theory (Abraham Maslow-326)