Motivation Theories

The theories that proceeded Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

1. Other Theories on
Motivation

2. Instinct Theory
Drive-Reduction Theory
Arousal Theory
Maslow’s Hierarchy
Theory

3. Instinct Theory of Motivation
This theory founded in the late 1800s states that
patterns of behavior are genetically inherited, and
humans are motivated by the need to survive.
Because this motivation is genetically ingrained in
us, every human being (and living thing) shares this
same motivation for every action.
Animals (including humans) are
automatically born with knowledge
about how to survive, and that drives
their actions.

4. Instinct Theory of Motivation
This theory founded in the late 1800s states that
patterns of behavior are genetically inherited, and
we are motivated by the need to survive. Because
this motivation is genetically ingrained in us, every
human being (and living thing) share this same
motivation for every action.
Salmon swim upstream each year to
lay eggs. They don’t get motivated to
do this by watching other fish - they
are born with the motivation and the
knowledge needed to do this.

5. Instinct Theory of Motivation
Problem: Every salmon behaves
exactly the same, so it’s easy to use
the instinct theory to explain the
motivation of salmon; however,
there is variation in the ways
humans behave. If humans all decide
to do different things, it means they
must have different motivations.
Instinct theory can’t explain the
massive variety of human behaviors,
and it can’t explain when humans
act in ways that actually make
survival less likely.

6. Drive-Reduction Theory
This was the second major theory of motivation
developed in the 1930s. It states that everyone is striving
to reduce drives (this means that they try to reach a state
of internal stability, avoiding feelings of discomfort or
tension). If humans feel tension, they act in ways that help
remove the tension.
Feel hungry? That’s tension. ▶ You are motivated to eat food.
Feel cold? That’s tension. ▶ You are motivated to go inside.
Feel nervous? That’s tension. ▶ You are motivated to avoid the
thing that is making you nervous.

7. Drive-Reduction Theory
Problem: humans do things all the time that actually
increase tension and prevent stability. We eat when we’re
not hungry. We explore new places even though it makes
us feel nervous and uncomfortable. Clearly, drive-reduction
theory doesn’t explain all motivation.

8. Arousal Theory
This theory was based on drive-reduction theory, but instead
of trying to reduce tension, people are trying to reach a
balance between extremes (we want an optimal amount of
stimulation or arousal). For example, if we feel too lonely we
might go to a party with friends, but if we feel overstimulated
we then want to go home and watch TV alone.
Not Enough Optimal Balance! Too Much
Starving Full Bloated
Bored Some Excitement Constant Excitement
Lonely Some friend time Always with friends

9. Arousal Theory
People have slightly different optimal levels of arousal.
For some people, optimal level of excitement might be
going for a bike ride; for others, it might be a roller-coaster.
I’m bored
I’m bored
I am
motivated
to seek
stimulation!
This is the
amount of
stimulation I
need!

10. Arousal Theory
Remember, in Arousal theory, if we feel overstimulated
(anxious, afraid, overwhelmed, uncomfortable) - we are
motivated by the need to lower the level of stimulation.
Too much
stimulation!
I feel
uncomfortable
I am
motivated
to seek
relaxation
I am
motivated
to seek
relaxation
Too much
stimulation!
I feel
uncomfortable

11. Arousal Theory
We don’t want zero stress and we don’t want a stress overload -
because optimal human performance happens when we
experience a little bit of stress.

12. Arousal Theory
Problem: Arousal Theory
does a great job of
explaining why humans seek
out pleasurable activities, but
it’s hard to apply Arousal
Theory neatly to everything.
For example, how can I use
Arousal Theory to explain
my desire to sacrifice sleep
in order to have more work
time, willingly putting myself
under extreme stress?

13. Conclusion
Theories and models used to explain human
motivation aren’t very good: motivation is complex,
and maybe we can’t simplify it into a model.
Although Maslow’s Hierarchy has its problems, it
does a more thorough job of covering the massive
variety of things that motivate people than
previous models.