General Phycology

Module 6:  Discussion Forum - Theories of Motivation and Emotion

Reflect on theories of motivation and emotion throughout history.

Instructions

a. Search for academic information regarding theories of motivation and emotion that have been proposed at different times throughout history. Select one theory of motivation or emotion from the past that you found interesting. Write an entry in which you:

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1. Identify and explain the theory. Be specific about the moment in history this theory was proposed and why. Take special consideration of the context of the time in which the theory was popular (What was happening in the world back then? How evolved was mankind? Was psychology relevant back then?)

2. Reflect on how the theory evolved. Is it still relevant? Did it contribute to current theories? Yes, no, and why.

3. Interpret and determine the association between motivation or emotion (depends on the selected theory) and the culture of the time. Explain this relationship and share your thoughts.

b. Your answer must include references in APA style.

c. Remember to comment on your classmates' entries, a minimum of two entries.

Remember to review the  academic expectations  for your submission.

Submission Instructions:

· Submit your initial discussion post by 11:59 pm ET on Wednesday and react critically to at least two of your classmates' discussion posts by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday.

· Contribute a minimum of 150 words to the initial post. It should include at least two academic sources, formatted and cited in APA.

· Respond to at least two of your classmates' discussion posts by 11:59 pm ET on Sunday. Ask a question, provide a different viewpoint.

· Follow established  netiquette (Links to an external site.)  guidelines when participating in forums.

Module 6:  Lecture Content - Motivation and Emotion

Motivation and Emotion

To discuss motivation, consider what drives and activates behavior and where that energy comes from. Motivation and emotion are important in our daily interactions with others, how we respond to different provocations, and what we learn from these experiences. On the other hand, emotions are feelings caused by cognitive or physiological stimuli influencing our behavior.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA, 2020), motivation and emotion are defined as follows:

" Motivation is the impetus that gives purpose or direction to behavior and operates in humans at a conscious or unconscious level. Motives are frequently divided into (a) physiological, primary, or organic motives, such as hunger, thirst, and need for sleep; and (b) personal, social, or secondary motives, such as affiliation, competition, and individual interests and goals. An important distinction must also be drawn between internal motivating forces and external factors, such as rewards or punishments, that can encourage or discourage certain behaviors.  Emotion is a complex reaction pattern involving experiential, behavioral, and physiological elements by which individual attempts to deal with a personally significant matter or event. The specific significance of the event determines the specific quality of the emotion.  Emotion typically involves feeling but differs from feeling in having an overt or implicit engagement with the world".

Other related definitions can be found in figure 1.

Figure 1: Definition of related concepts

Examples of extrinsic motivation:

· Working on getting paid

· Doing chores to avoid punishment

· Studying for an exam to get a good grade

· Exercising to lose weight

Examples of intrinsic motivation:

· Reading a book for fun

· Going for a hike because you enjoy walking and exploring

· Completing a course in cake preparation because you enjoy baking

· Learning a new language for fun

Needs and goals are constantly changing in response to the individual's condition, the environment, interactions with other people, and one's own experiences. As some goals are achieved, new ones are developed.

Motivation does not stop/cease, in part, because:

· Needs are never fully satisfied.

· New needs arise as others are satisfied.

· Success and failure influence future goals.

There are different kinds of needs, and they may vary by person, but in general, they are divided between physiological and psychological needs. See figure 2).

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Abraham Maslow is well known for his contributions to the field of Psychology. He proposed the  Hierarchy of Needs (see figure 3), which addressed the concept of motivation and needs. The hierarchy was based on four main principles:

1. All human beings acquire a set of similar needs through genetics and social interaction.

2. Some needs are basic and crucial.

3. Basic needs must be satisfied to a minimum level before other needs are activated.

4. When basic needs are met, more advanced needs come into play.

Figure 3: Maslow's classic hierarchy of needs (Maslow, 1970)

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Current research in motivation topics reflects the need for a comprehensive picture of how different types of motivation fit and function together to produce behavior (Murayama, 2018).

*IMPORTANT: Students are highly encouraged to review the additional resources included in this module's  other resources (recommended) section.*

References:

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2020). Emotion.  APA dictionary of psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/emotionLinks to an external site.  

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2020). Extrinsic motivation.  APA dictionary of psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/extrinsic-motivationLinks to an external site.  

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2020). Feeling.  APA dictionary of psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/feelingLinks to an external site.  

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2020). Intrinsic motivation.  APA dictionary of psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/intrinsic-motivationLinks to an external site.  

American Psychological Association [APA]. (2020). Motivation.  APA dictionary of psychology.  https://dictionary.apa.org/motivationLinks to an external site.  

Kenrick, D. T., Griskevicius, V., Neuberg, S. L., & Schaller, M. (2010). Renovating the Pyramid of Needs: Contemporary Extensions Built Upon Ancient Foundations.  Perspectives on psychological science: a journal of the Association for Psychological Science,  5(3), 292–314.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691610369469Links to an external site.  

Maslow A.H. (1970).  Motivation and personality. 2nd ed. New York: Harper & Row.

Murayama, K. (2018, June). The science of motivation.  Psychological Science Agenda.  http://www.apa.org/science/about/psa/2018/06/motivationLinks to an external site.  

 

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