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: humanistic: Of or pertaining to a psychological perspective, starting in the mid-20th century, that emphasizes individuals’ inherent drive toward self-actualization, realizing and expressing one’s own capabilities, and creativity. mastery: The act or process of becoming an expert in something. We all think of ourselves as having various needs—the need for food, for example, or the need for companionship—that influence our choices and behaviors. This idea also underlies some theories of motivation. In 1943, Abraham Maslow proposed a hierarchy of needs that spans the spectrum of motives, ranging from the biological to the individual to the social. Motivation and Needs
Maslow’s theory defines motivation as the process of satisfying certain needs that are required for long-term development. According to Maslow, a need is a relatively lasting condition or feeling that requires relief or satisfaction, and it tends to influence action over the long term. Some needs (like hunger) may decrease when satisfied, while others (like curiosity) may not.