There are several theories that seek to explain what psychologists call motivation. Give a description of at least three of them

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

* Instinct theory is a biological theory that explains motivation by focusing on unlearned, species-specific behaviors that are triggered by specific environmental events called releasing stimuli; this theory has limited, if any, application to human motivation.
* Drive-reduction theory proposes that an internal motivational state created by a physiological need is a drive, which activates more than one response; those responses that lead to a reduction in the drive tend to be strengthened.
* Optimum-level theories propose that we seek an optimum level of stimulation, which may vary from person to person.
* Cognitive theories focus on how we process and understand information; cognitive-consistency theory proposes that inconsistency in our beliefs and behaviors is unpleasant so we seek to reduce it.
* Incentive theories propose that we are pulled by the incentive or goal rather than pushed as per drive theory.
* Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that we must first satisfy lower, physiological needs before we move up the hierarchy to more social needs and finally to self-actualization.