motivation
Summary
Motivation is the set of internal and external factors that start, direct, and sustain goal-directed behavior. The MCAT tests which theory explains a behavior (instinct, drive reduction, arousal, incentive, Maslow's hierarchy) and intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation.
Detail
Meaning: Motivation is what initiates, directs, and sustains behavior toward a goal. Instinct theory: innate, species-typical behaviors drive action. Drive-reduction theory: a physiological need creates tension (a drive), and behavior reduces it, restoring homeostasis. Arousal theory: people seek an optimal arousal level; by the Yerkes-Dodson law, performance peaks at moderate arousal, and the best level is lower for harder tasks. Incentive theory: external rewards pull behavior. Maslow's hierarchy: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, self-actualization, with lower needs generally taking priority. Motivation can also be intrinsic (the activity itself is rewarding) or extrinsic (reward or punishment from outside).
On the MCAT: A passage describes a behavior and asks which theory best explains it. Eating when hungry fits drive reduction, studying for a grade fits incentive theory and extrinsic motivation, and seeking a thrill fits arousal theory. The overjustification effect also appears: adding an external reward for an activity a person already enjoys can lower intrinsic motivation.
Common confusion: Drive and incentive differ in direction. A drive pushes from inside (a need), while an incentive pulls from outside (a reward). Decide which the passage stresses, an internal need or an external goal.
Sources
- Exploring Psychology
- Psychology (Schacter, Gilbert, Nock, Wegner)
Written for the MCAT and checked before it was published. For study reference only. Spotted an error? Let us know.