The psychology of motivation seeks to understand why people behave in certain ways and what drives their actions. Motivation is the internal and external factors that initiate, sustain, and direct behavior towards a goal. There are several key theories and factors that contribute to our understanding of human motivation. In order to understand motivation, we have to first understand the two main categories of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation is doing a task or activity for personal satisfaction as opposed to completing the task to avoid punishment or receive a reward. An example of this is studying hard for a test because getting good grades makes you happy, or putting in more hours at work because you enjoy your job. When intrinsically motivated, you are doing the task out of pure enjoyment and because it is personally rewarding to you. The self-determination theory is an example of intrinsic motivation. Specifically, the self-determination theory emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs. It posits that individuals have three fundamental psychological needs: autonomy (feeling in control of one’s actions), competence (desire to be effective in one’s pursuits), and relatedness (need for social connections). When these needs are met, individuals are more likely to experience intrinsic motivation and well-being.
Extrinsic motivation is to be driven by external factors, like receiving an award or payment, winning a competition, or obtaining approval and praise. An example of this is putting more hours in at work in order to get a raise from your supervisor or working out more in order to receive more compliments. Additionally, extrinsic motivation can be characterized by avoiding punishment, like studying hard so your parents will not ground you for bad grades or completing a task at work so that you will not get fired. The anticipation of rewards or the desire to avoid punishment can drive behavior. The achievement motivation theory is an example of extrinsic motivation. The achievement motivation theory focuses on individuals’ drive to accomplish challenging tasks and attain success. It examines factors such as the need for achievement, fear of failure, and the desire for competence and mastery, tying into the hallmarks of extrinsic motivation.
There are other theories about human motivation that combine elements of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. For example, goal-setting theory emphasizes the role of specific, challenging, and attainable goals in motivating behavior. It suggests that setting clear goals, along with providing feedback and creating action plans, can enhance motivation and performance. Another approach is social-cognitive theories, which emphasize the role of observational learning, self-efficacy, and the influence of social factors on motivation. These theories propose that individuals can be motivated by observing others, and their beliefs in their own capabilities, also known as self-efficacy, play a vital role in their motivation.
Another theory regarding motivation is the expectancy-value theory. This theory suggests that motivation is influenced by the individual’s expectations of success and the value they attach to the outcomes. It proposes that motivation is highest when individuals believe they can succeed at a task and when they perceive the outcome as desirable or valuable. Finally, the cognitive dissonance theory explores the psychological discomfort that arises when individuals hold contradictory beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. Cognitive dissonance theory asserts that individuals are motivated to reduce this discomfort by aligning their beliefs and behaviors, leading to attitude or behavior change.
The psychology of motivation acknowledges that individuals are driven by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and the interplay between personal characteristics, social influences, and environmental factors shapes motivation. By understanding that motivation can have practical implications in areas such as education, work, sports, and personal development, it provides insights into how to enhance motivation and promote positive outcomes.