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Understanding Motivation: Key Theories and Characteristics in Behavioral Psychology

This introductory course presented by Dr. Candace Genest, a Clinical Neuropsychologist, delves into the complexities of motivation as a driving force behind human behavior. The syllabus covers various theories, characteristics, and approaches to understanding motivation, including instinctual, cognitive, and social perspectives. Students will explore the concepts of persistence, vigor, and directionality, leading to a comprehensive understanding of how motivation influences our actions. The comparison of innate instincts versus acquired behaviors will also be discussed.

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Understanding Motivation: Key Theories and Characteristics in Behavioral Psychology

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  1. MOTIVATION Winter 2011 Candace Genest, Ph.D. • HBD4741.01 / HBD5741.01 January 12, 2011

  2. Introduction • Candace M. Genest, Ph.D. • - Clinical Neuropsychologist • - Graduate School of Psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. She holds a Masters Degree in Christian Leadership and a Master of Arts in Psychology, also from Fuller. • - Dr. Genest currently works in a group practice providing neuropsychological evaluation, cognitive rehabilitation, and individual psychotherapy.

  3. Syllabus & Schedule • Review: • - Syllabus • - Schedule • - Assignments

  4. Technology • - E-mail • - ftp Site • - Library / Research resources

  5. Definitions: • Motivation • Describes forces acting on or within an organism to initiate and direct behavior • Describe differences in intensity of behavior • Persistence of behavior • The “something” that triggers behavior

  6. Wide & Varied Definitions: • Activation • Overt Responding - production of bx; can observe bx • If no bx: motivation insufficient (not necessarily absent) • Or - may not be an overt behavior / response • Persistence - continued activation of bx • However, if alternate bx available - persistence not always present • Vigor - More energetic response suggests higher level motivation

  7. Additional Characteristics: • Directionality • Index of motivational state

  8. How do we measure it? • Rarely direct • Acts as an intervening variable to produce a change in bx • Temporary • When enough is present = behavior is performed • When absent = behavior absent

  9. Starting Points: • Motivation vs. “Want to” • Constant flow of behavior • Can be directed in many different ways • Genetically / Evolutionary • Goal to sustain and maintain life • Instincts - genetically motivated behavior

  10. Instinct • William James: 1890 - Instinct, emotion, and thought • Instinct - what we now know as nervous system “built-ins” • Bx differently when angry, sad, happy, etc. • Cognitive processes (ideo-motor action) • MacLean (1977) - triune brain • Reptilian brain: Survival / Hardwired • Paleomammalian brain: Emotional analysis • Neuomammalian brain: External stimuli + thought

  11. Categorizing Theories Instinct: nomothetic, mechanistic, innate, internal/external Attribution: nomothetic, cognitive, acquired, internal/external • Nomothetic: abstract, universal principles (physio) • Mechanistic: Internal / innate patterns; no control over activation • Innate: instinct (bx / ethology) • Internal: Needs / drives • Idiographic: unique properties; (humanistic / actualization) • Cognitive: interpret information in environment • Acquired: (learning) • External: goals/incentives

  12. Approaches to Analysis • Physiological • EEG, PET, MRI • Individual • Self-report; observation of changes in behavior • Social Analysis • Group Behavior • Philosophical • Self-actualization; positive/aversive states

  13. Terms & Constructs • Energy: source & direction • Physiological: brain structures • Learning: Incentives /modeling • Social Interaction: authority • Cognitive: Info processing • Activation: central receptors in brain; other means of triggering • Homeostasis: maintaining optimal state • Hedonism: approach pleasure and avoid pain • Growth: reaching for full potential

  14. Philosophers • Aristotle • Soul=free will; Mind=blank slate (nurture) • Determinism (nature) • Descartes - dualism; innate ideas / instincts • Locke - • Sensation / Perception / association of ideas

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