Instinct Theory of
Motivation:
According to instinct theories, people are motivated to behave in certain ways
because they are evolutionarily programmed to do so. An example of this in the
animal world is seasonal migration. These animals do not learn to do this, it
is instead an inborn pattern of motivation.
Incentive Theory of Motivation: The
incentive theory suggests that people are motivated to do things because of
external rewards. For example, you might be motivated to go to work each day for
the monetary reward of being paid. Behavioral learning concepts such as
association and reinforcement play an important role in this theory of
motivation.
Drive Theory of Motivation: According
to the drive
theory of motivation, people are motivated to take certain actions in order
to reduce the internal tension that is caused by unmet needs. For example, you
might be motivated to drink a glass of water in order to reduce the internal
state of thirst. This theory is useful in explaining behaviors that have a
strong biological component, such as hunger or thirst. The problem with the
drive theory of motivation is that these behaviors are not always motivated
purely by physiological needs. For example, people often eat even when they are
not really hungry.
Arousal Theory of Motivation: 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 and 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 of Motivation: Humanistic
theories of motivation are based on the idea that people also have strong
cognitive reasons to perform various actions. This is famously illustrated in
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy
of needs, which presents different motivations at different levels. First,
people are motivated to fulfill basic biological needs for food and shelter, as
well as those of safety, love and esteem. Once the lower level needs have been
met, the primary motivator becomes the need for self-actualization,
or the desire to fulfill one's individual potential.