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The Concepts of Motivation John H. Ackerson Motivational Processes in Human Psychology PSY/355 Emeka Wolfe-Norman January 30, 2010 University of Phoenix
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The Concepts of Motivation Introduction The concept of motivation is a topic of importance in every domain of life. Without the motivation to change, one has no defense against states of imbalance or instability (Encarta, 2010). One’s psychological stability relies on one’s capacity to adapt, and one will only adapt if one is motivated to do so. “American psychologist Leon Festinger (1919-1989) developed the theory of cognitive dissonance, which is based on the tenet that an individual is motivated to maintain consistency” (Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory, 2006, para 1) amid duo cognitive attitudes, ideas, beliefs, or perceptions, with regard to self, one’s behavior, and the environment in which one lives. At what time inconsistency takes place involving pairs of cognitions, one becomes psychologically distressed (Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory, 2006); therefore, in an attempt to remain in a state of homeostasis, pressure is applied internally that reduces the flow of information, events, and discord that could intensify the dissonance, resulting in motivational behavior to avoid this state of disarray. Motivation Defined The word motivation is derived from the Latin term “mot” that means to “move” (Motivation, Theories Of, 2006). One’s motive is used to describe the inner force that triggers and provides guidance to one’s behavior. Motivation corresponds to the level of disequilibrium of a life form, and is essentially physical (Symonds, 1937). This disequilibrium can become manifest in external and internal strain, tissue damage, homeostasis, sensory reception, and glandular activity. Generally speaking, motivational theories pertain to the causes for behaviors and deal with the organism’s internal states and external goals within the environment in which
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they live. An example of this would be the lacking or wanting of an organism, combined with the stimulating, driving force of that organism and the incentive, which “focuses on the goals of motivation” (Motivation, Theories Of, 2006, para. 1). Psychological needs are formed by a condition of depravation that in turn produces a compelling response to meet those needs and produces incentives that will result in consummatory outcomes (Motivation, Theories Of, 2006); however, before this process can take place, there must be a source of motivation. Sources of Motivation Motivation comes in many forms; however, the two most fundamental sources of motivation are intrinsic and extrinsic. The need to belong, or social acceptance, is extrinsic with regard to the factors that will result in existing alone. One’s security would be threatened without the assistance, encouragement, defense, and collaboration of others within one’s group, culture, or society. The fear of loss or want is an extrinsic motivating factor in the lives of all living organisms. Want, need, longing, or desire energize and direct one’s purpose and behavior; the fear of loss, or want, manipulate the intensity of and course of one’s behavior (Huitt, 2001) to the degree that not attaining the focus of one’s wants, needs, or desires, would effect one’s ability to function. The intrinsic motivating factor of a prosocial act and its effect on well being that require volition and autonomy is no exception. Studies have provided evidence showing that “the degree to which a prosocial act is volitional or autonomous predicts its effect on well-being and that psychological need satisfaction mediates this relation” (Weinstein, & Ryan, 2010, para. 1). The motivational factors that influence one’s behavior vary; however, motivation is implicated in the accomplishment of “all learned responses” (Weinstein, & Ryan, 2010, para. 1); that behavior will not transpire without being energized by a motivating factor; therefore, there is a relationship between motivation and behavior.
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Relationship between Motivation and Behavior The relationship between motivation and behavior can be found in Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (Abraham-Maslow, 2009). According to Maslow, one becomes motivated when one’s needs are not met; the resulting behavior is determined by the desire to fulfill those needs; however certain lower-level needs must be filled before one can progress to the next level within the hierarchy. The study of the mind has the task of illuminating the ills of society. The behaviors that cause a society to be termed as ill are behaviors that reflect the actions of those who have not satisfied the most basic of needs. Before one can be expected to “behave properly,” one must be motivated to do so. The basic needs, according to Maslow that need to be filled are those that have to do with basic physical functioning, shelter, security, respect, and affection (Abraham-Maslow, 2009). When these “deficiency needs” are not met, one is motivated to behave selfishly. The resulting behavior is thoughtlessness, greed, gluttony, selfishness, and insensitivity toward others, to name a few. These behaviors are the result of the motivation required to satisfy the basil requirements; the intrinsic motivation that energizes one to behave accordingly is diminished once these needs are satisfied. He or she can begin to be motivated by growth oriented desires and change the behaviors deemed irresponsible and contrary to societal norms once this occurs. The motivation to act in a give manner is innate and the resulting behavior predetermined for consummation; however, once these most basic of needs are met, growth and self actualization takes place, resulting in new motivational pursuits, and congruent behavior. All motivations in the individual’s behavior are exhibited, whatever the level, whatever the desire or need, The Exhibition of Motive in behavior
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The manner in which motive is exhibited in behavior can be observed in the “Big Five personality factors: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience” (University of Oregon, 2009, para. 1). An extraverted personality type may be exhibiting the motive of the need to belong, or the desire for social acceptance. He or she may be engaging, enthusiastic, risk taking, and exhibit behaviors that draw attention to him or herself. Agreeable personality types may have harmonious motives with regard to their environment and can be progressively self actualized. They generally collaborate well with others because of their optimistic view of life; their motives are by and large positive and are the result of autonomy. Conscientious personality types exhibit motives that relate to selflessness; other’s interests are placed in high regard. The behavior resulting from these motives is harmonizing and conducive. Neurotic personality types exhibit motives congruent with one who fears loss. The negative emotions can have underlying motives like as anger and they tend to misinterpret the motives of others as hostile. Openness to experience personality types are the most self actualized of all, and their motives for behavior are altruistic in general because they are generally more empathetic (University of Oregon, 2009). One’s motives are apparent within one’s personality type, and the behaviors that correspond with those motives are unavoidable. The concept of motivation describes the inner influence that initiates and imparts guidance to behavior. Motivation is compatible with a state of instability and is fundamentally physical. Many forms of motivation exist; however, the most basic of these are intrinsic and extrinsic. Want, need, longing, or desire energize and direct one’s behavior. The relationship between motivation and behavior can be found in one’s position in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Before one’s motives change, one must achieve one’s basil desires; before one’s behavior changes one’s motives must change. Motivation is exhibited in behavior by way of one’s personality traits.
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Those personality traits reflect one’s motivations, and therefore, one’s expected behavior. The innate desires that drive each individual to behave in a given manner are unavoidable and instinctive. To initiate changes in behavior, one must have certain basic needs met. Once this has occurred, there can be growth that reflects the acquisition of a level of self actualization that affects the individual and the rest of society in a positive manner.
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References Abraham-Maslow. (2009). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved from http://www.abrahammaslow.com/m_motivation/Hierarchy_of_Needs.asp Encarta World English Dictionary [North American Edition]. (2010). disequilibrium. Retrieved from http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/dictionary/DictionaryResults.aspx? lextype=3&search=disequilibrium Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory. (2006). In Elsevier's Dictionary of Psychological Theories. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/entry/estpsyctheory/festinger_ s_cognitive_dissonance_theory Huitt, W. (2001). Motivation to learn: An overview. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. Retrieved [date], from http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/col/motivation/motivate.html Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination. (2004). In Encyclopedia of Applied Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/entry/estappliedpsyc/intrinsic _motivation_and_self_determination Motivation, Theories Of. (2006). In Elsevier's Dictionary of Psychological Theories. Retrieved from http://www.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/entry/estpsyctheory/motivatio n_theories_of
The Concepts of References Symonds, P. (1937). Review of "Motivation of behavior: The fundamental determinants of human and animal activity". Journal of Consulting Psychology, 1(4), 71-72. doi:10.1037/h0051351. University of Oregon. (2009). Measuring the Big Five Personality Factors . Retrieved from http://www.uoregon.edu/~sanjay/bigfive.html Weinstein, N., & Ryan, R. (2010). When helping helps: Autonomous motivation for prosocial behavior and its influence on well-being for the helper and recipient. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(2), 222-244. doi:10.1037/a0016984.
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