Title: Theories of Motivation | Boundless Psychology
Headings: Theories of Motivation
Theories of Motivation
Evolutionary Theory of Motivation
Key Points
Key Terms
Genetic Fitness
Evolutionary Perspective on Motivation
Optimization Theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Key Points
Key Terms
Motivation and Needs
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Physiological Needs
Safety Needs
Love/Belonging Needs
Esteem Needs
Self-Actualization
Drive-Reduction Theory of Motivation
Key Points
Key Terms
Drives and Homeostasis
Drive-Reduction Theory
Primary and Secondary Drives
Drive-Reduction Theory and Learning
Critiques of Drive-Reduction Theory
Arousal Theory of Motivation
Key Points
Key Terms
The Reward System
Optimal Levels of Arousal
Temperament and Motivation
Incentive Theory of Motivation and Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Key Points
Key Terms
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation
Incentive Theory and the Effects of Extrinsic Motivation
The Cognitive and Achievement Approaches to Motivation
Key Points
Key Terms
Achievement Motivation
Mastery and Performance Goals
Cognitive Dissonance
Temporal Motivation Theory
Key Points
Key Terms
Examples of Temporal Motivation Theory

Content: A mother’s protection of her baby, fondness for sugar, and hunting prey were among the human behaviors proposed as true instincts during James’ era. This view—that human behavior is driven by instincts—received a fair amount of criticism because of the undeniable role of learning in shaping all sorts of human behavior. Optimization Theory
Optimization theory is related to evolutionary theory, and is concerned with assessing the success of a behavior. It attempts to identify behavioral strategies that offer the highest return under a given set of conditions using a cost/benefit analysis. In this context, success or fitness is judged by considering the number of offspring that the individual performing the behavior would contribute to the next generation. Optimization theory states that individuals would be motivated to adopt strategies that allow them to consume the most energy (e.g., to maximize their food intake) while expending the least amount of energy (e.g., to minimize their exercise output). Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
Maslow’s theory is based on the premise that humans are motivated by needs that are hierarchically ranked. Learning Objectives
Explain Maslow’s hierarchy and the needs that fuel each level
Key Takeaways
Key Points
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs defines motivation as the process of satisfying certain needs that are required for long-term survival and development. There are some needs that are basic to all human beings, and in their absence, nothing else matters. As we satisfy these basic needs, they no longer serve as motivators and we begin to satisfy higher-order needs.