Motivation – Drive and Incentive Theories

Summary

This video delves into the psychological concept of motivation, explaining how drives, such as hunger and thirst, push us toward specific goals. Theories like drive reduction and incentive theory help clarify why we are motivated by both the desire to satisfy unpleasant feelings and the pursuit of positive rewards. It also explores the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, showing that intrinsic motivation is more powerful in fostering engagement. Finally, the video touches on Maslow's hierarchy of needs, highlighting how fulfilling basic needs is essential before moving toward higher psychological goals like self-actualization.

Takeaways

• 😀 Motivation is defined as the drives that push us toward specific goals or actions, driven by both needs and wants.
• 😀 Drive Reduction Theory suggests that motivation arises from the need to reduce unpleasant feelings, like hunger or thirst.
• 😀 Drives push us in different directions; some encourage us to approach things (e.g., food, love), while others encourage avoidance (e.g., danger).
• 😀 Conflicting drives can occur, such as wanting to approach someone you're attracted to while also feeling nervous or fearful of rejection.
• 😀 Drive Reduction Theory doesn’t explain why we sometimes overindulge, such as eating beyond fullness, which is why it's complemented by Incentive Theory.
• 😀 Incentive Theory posits that we are motivated not only by the need to reduce negative feelings but also by the desire for positive rewards, like pleasure.
• 😀 Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal factors, such as curiosity or pride, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors, like grades or money.
• 😀 Intrinsic motivation is generally more sustainable than extrinsic motivation and can be undermined by external rewards if they overshadow the internal drive.
• 😀 A study with preschoolers showed that when children were rewarded for drawing, their intrinsic motivation to draw decreased, illustrating the effects of extrinsic rewards.
• 😀 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs outlines that basic physiological needs (e.g., hunger) must be met before higher psychological needs (e.g., love, self-esteem) can be pursued.

Q & A

What is motivation, according to the psychological perspective presented in the video?

Motivation is described as the drives that push us toward a specific direction, such as needs and wants, which push us to fulfill them. These drives include biological and psychological needs.

What is the core idea behind drive reduction theory?

Drive reduction theory posits that motivation arises from the desire to reduce unpleasant feelings caused by unmet drives, like hunger or thirst, by fulfilling those needs, such as eating when hungry.

How do approach and avoidance drives work according to the video?

Approach drives motivate us to move toward something, like food or a person we're attracted to, while avoidance drives push us to move away from something unpleasant or dangerous, such as rude people or threats.

Why does the video suggest that drive reduction theory has limitations?

Drive reduction theory doesn't explain why people sometimes overindulge even after their drives are satisfied, such as eating more food at a party than needed, despite feeling full.

What are incentive theories and how do they relate to drive reduction theory?

Incentive theories propose that people are motivated not just by the need to satisfy negative drives, but also by the pursuit of positive goals, such as pleasure, pride, or rewards, which complements drive reduction theory.

What is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Intrinsic motivation is driven by internal desires, such as curiosity or interest, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, such as grades or money.

What effect does extrinsic motivation have on intrinsic motivation, according to the video?

Extrinsic motivation can undermine intrinsic motivation by shifting focus away from the enjoyment or interest in the activity itself, as demonstrated in a study with preschoolers who were rewarded for drawing.

Can you explain the preschooler drawing study mentioned in the video?

In the study, preschoolers were divided into three groups. Some were promised a reward for drawing, others were surprised with a reward, and a third group received no reward. The children who were promised a reward showed less interest in drawing later, suggesting that extrinsic rewards can diminish intrinsic motivation.

What are primary and secondary needs, and how are they different?

Primary needs are biological requirements necessary for survival, like hunger and thirst. Secondary needs are psychological, such as the need for achievement, self-esteem, and companionship, which are important but not essential for life.

How does Maslow's hierarchy of needs relate to motivation?

Maslow’s hierarchy suggests that lower-level needs, such as physiological and safety needs, must be met before higher-level needs like love, self-esteem, and self-actualization can be pursued. Motivation is driven by fulfilling these needs in order.