Cognitive approaches to motivation

Incentive approaches to motivation

This approach attempts to explain motivation in terms of the nature of the external stimuli; incentives that direct and energize behavior. According to this view, properties of external stimuli are major causes for a person’s motivation. Example: after eating our meal, we choose to eat a sweet cake.Such behavior is motivated by the desert itself but not to satisfy internal drives.

Comment on incentive approach: drives (push factor) and incentives (pull factor) work together in motivating behavior.

This approach focuses on the role of our thought, expectations and understanding of the world. Example: The degree to which we are motivated to study harddepends upon our expectations for good grades and the value we place on getting good grades. If both expectations and value are high, we will be motivated to study hard; but if either one is low, our motivation to study will be relatively lower.

In line with this approach, there are two forms of motivations:

a. Intrinsic motivation: It is motivation by whichpeople participate in an activity for their own enjoyment, not for the reward it will bring. It enables to work hard, produce higher quality work and be perseverant. Some psychologists argue that providing rewards for desirable behavior may cause intrinsic motivation to decline.

b. Extrinsic motivation: It causes us to dosomething for a tangible reward.

6. Maslow’s motivational theory

Different motivational needs are arranged in a hierarchy in a pyramidal shape. The more basic needs are at the bottom and the higher level needs are at the top. Before higher ordered needs are satisfied in the hierarchy, the primary needs must be satisfied.

Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

Physiological needs are based on body needs or tissue needs (e.g. food, water).

Security need is a need for sense of confidence, safety, and freedom from fear or anxiety, particularly with respect to fulfilling ones present and future needs.

Love and belongingness needs include the need to obtain and give affection and contributing to members of some group or society.

Esteem need relates to the development of a sense of worth by knowing that others are aware of one’s competence and value.

Self-actualization is a state of self-fulfillment in which people realize their highest potential. The concept of self-actualization is applicable not only to few well-known individuals. In its broader sense it can happen to:

a parent with excellent nurturing skills;

a teacher that maximizes students’ opportunities for success;

a health professional who works hard to alleviate health problems of the country.

Дата добавления: 2014-01-04