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: For example, you might be motivated to drink a glass of water in order to reduce the internal state of thirst. The drive theory is based on the concept of homeostasis, or the idea that the body actively works to maintain a certain state of balance or equilibrium. This theory is useful in explaining behaviors that have a strong biological or physiological component, such as hunger or thirst. The problem with the drive theory of motivation is that these behaviors are not always motivated purely by drive, or the state of tension or arousal caused by biological or physiological needs. For example, people often eat even when they are not really hungry. Arousal Theory
The arousal theory of motivation suggests that people take certain actions to either decrease or increase levels of arousal. When arousal levels get too low, for example, a person might watch an exciting movie or go for a jog. When arousal levels get too high, on the other hand, a person would probably look for ways to relax, such as meditating or reading a book. According to this theory, we are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal, although this level can vary based on the individual or the situation. Humanistic Theory
Humanistic theories of motivation are based on the idea that people also have strong cognitive reasons to perform various actions.