Explain how each of the following theories of motivation built upon each other to more completely address motivation: instinct theory, drive theory, incentive theory, and arousal theory.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Instinct theory provided largely circular explanations of behavior, and most current evidence suggests that human behaviors are learned rather than instinctual. Drive theory provided a first attempt to scientifically address motivation. However, drives in this theory depend on tissue needs, and humans and other animals seek out rewarding stimuli before tissue needs arise (we look for food in anticipation of a meal), and we seek out things that do not refill depleted tissue needs (such as sexual contact), so this theory cannot address many motivated behaviors. Incentive theory did allow for motivated behaviors that were driven to obtain things that are valued by the organism, but this theory cannot explain why people do things that lack a clear incentive (such as watch scary movies or visit haunted houses on Halloween). Arousal theory suggests that people work to keep a preferred level of stimulation, which accounts for sensation-seeking behaviors.