Title: What Motivation Theory Can Tell Us About Human Behavior
Headings: What Motivation Theory Can Tell Us About Human Behavior
What Motivation Theory Can Tell Us About Human Behavior
Instinct Theory of Motivation
Drive Theory
Arousal Theory
Humanistic Theory
Incentive Theory
Expectancy Theory
A Word From Verywell

Content: What Motivation Theory Can Tell Us About Human Behavior
Theories
Behavioral Psychology
What Motivation Theory Can Tell Us About Human Behavior
By
Kendra Cherry
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Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author, educational consultant, and speaker focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process
Kendra Cherry
Reviewed by
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on February 24, 2020
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Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind. She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. Learn about our Review Board
Amy Morin, LCSW
Updated on April 17, 2021
Researchers have developed a number of theories to explain motivation. Each individual theory tends to be rather limited in scope. However, by looking at the key ideas behind each theory, you can gain a better understanding of motivation as a whole. Motivation is the force that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors. It is what causes us to take action, whether to grab a snack to reduce hunger or enroll in college to earn a degree. The forces that lie beneath motivation can be biological, social, emotional, or cognitive in nature. Let's take a look at each one.