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Theories of Motivation

Lily Scott

Lily Scott

10 min read

Study Guide Overview

This AP Psychology study guide covers motivation, including: definitions of motivation, instincts, incentives, and intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. It explores the overjustification effect, achievement motivation, and self-efficacy. Theories of motivation covered are Instinct, Drive-Reduction, Optimal Arousal (including Yerkes-Dodson Law), and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Finally, it examines types of motivation such as eating, sexual, and social motivations and provides practice questions and exam tips.

AP Psychology: Motivation - Your Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Psych pro! This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for all things motivation, especially as you're gearing up for the big exam. Let's dive in and make sure you're feeling confident and ready to ace it! 💪

What is Motivation?

Motivation is the force that drives our behaviors. Think of it as the "why" behind everything we do. Whether it's studying for this exam 💯 or grabbing a snack, motivation is at play. It's not just about big goals; it's woven into our everyday actions.

Key Motivational Concepts

  • Instincts: These are our innate, unconscious behaviors. They just feel right. It's like a reflex, but for more complex actions.
  • Incentives: These are the external factors that pull us toward or push us away from certain behaviors. They can be positive (rewards) or negative (punishments).🚶
  • Intrinsic Motivation: Doing something for the pure joy of it! Like reading a book because you love to read ❤️📖. It's all about internal satisfaction.
  • Extrinsic Motivation: Doing something for an external reward or to avoid punishment. Like reading a book to complete a summer assignment ✔️📖. External factors drive this type of motivation.
Key Concept

Intrinsic motivation is generally stronger and more sustainable than extrinsic motivation.

* **Overjustification Effect:** This is when an external reward decreases intrinsic motivation. Like switching from learning French for fun to learning it for a job 💰. The external reward can diminish your internal drive. * **Achievement Motivation:** The desire to master complex tasks and reach personal goals. It's about pushing yourself to do great things, even without external rewards. 💪 * **Self-Efficacy:** * **High Self-Efficacy:** Believing you can succeed. This goes hand-in-hand with high intrinsic motivation and a willingness to take on challenges. * **Low Self-Efficacy:** Doubting your ability to succeed. This often leads to low intrinsic motivation, avoidance of challenges, and giving up easily.

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Image Courtesy of Sites at Penn State.
Memory Aid

Think of it this way: Intrinsic motivation is like doing something because you love it, while extrinsic motivation is like doing something for a prize. Overjustification can ruin the fun of intrinsic motivation by adding too many external rewards. Self-efficacy is your belief in your ability to succeed, which can make all the difference!

Theories of Motivation

Let's explore the main theories that explain why we do what we do. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, so pay attention to the nuances!

Instinct Theory (Evolutionary)

  • Core Idea: Behaviors are driven by our instincts, which are innate and help us survive. This theory is rooted in Charles Darwin's natural selection.
  • Focus: Survival and adaptation. We are motivated to do things that ensure we live long enough to pass on our genes. 💕
ExampleStrength of Theory 👍Weakness of Theory 👎
All babies display innate reflexes like rooting and suckingExplains similarities due to our ancestral past.Better at explaining animal behaviors than complex human behaviors.

Drive-Reduction Theory (Biological)

  • Core Idea: We are motivated to reduce internal tension caused by unmet need...

Question 1 of 19

Motivation is best described as the 🚀:

External rewards that drive behavior

Innate, unconscious behaviors we are born with

Force that drives our behaviors and the 'why' behind our actions

The process of reducing internal tension