Complete the following matrix. When presenting real world examples, do not use the examples listed in the text.
Theories of Motivation
Theory Type
Key components of the theory
Real world example
Similarities and Differences
Instinct Theories
Motivation used with inborn programmed behaviors responding to a cue.
New born snakes knowing how to hunt and separate from their mother.
Being afraid of heights
Not all behaviors can be considered instinct because it can be overridden even in the presence of a cue.
The weakness to this theory is that humans are motivated to do many things that cannot be linked to those of instinct.
Evolutionary Theories
This theory involves behaviors that all people perform regardless of their culture.
Behaviors evolved or were were selected through different generations to best fit for the environment.
Being afraid of being bit by an insect but never experienced an insect bite before.
A lot of evolutionary theories came from those of survival which does not directly link to today’s society.
The motivation of this theory mainly focuses on motives that affect the success of individuals over a period of time.
Drive Theories
A drive is defined as tension arising from within our physiological systems, which in turn motivates action
Eventually, you are driven to take action and satisfy the drive, releasing the tension.
The need to smoke, a tension driving the need to satisfy by smoking.
Drive is like the need to keep your ahead above water. Being hungry can lead to the drive to find food. The motivation to keep pushing. This is a lot like incentive with a reward at the end of a task.
Arousal Theories
The theory that we are motivated to seek out a particular level of arousal This would be like being bored in your current environment and seeking a new environment and crowd.
Feeling nervous may cause someone to want to take a relaxing walk. Someone who is bored may want to go to a crowded event where it is much to do and see.
Arousal theory takes an individuals surroundings to explain why they are motivated.
Arousal is hard to compare to long term motivation.
