Motivation is an area of psychology that has received a great deal of attention, especially in the recent years. Theories of motivation have been developed over the years that can help to explain why people are motivated to do certain things. Some of these theories include Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-determination theory, and expectancy theory.
How Do Psychologists Define Motivation?
Psychologists define motivation as the driving force behind all behavior. This force can be either internal or external. Internal motivation comes from within oneself, while external motivation comes from outside factors.
The most common model of motivation is called the Hierarchy of Needs model, which was first proposed by psychologist Abraham Maslow in 1943. This model suggests that there are five different levels of needs, and that people are motivated to fulfill these needs in a specific order. The first level of needs is called physiological needs, and includes things like air, food, and water. The second level of needs is called safety needs, and includes things like shelter and security. The third level of needs is called love and belonging needs, and includes things like friendship and intimacy. The fourth level of needs is called esteem needs, and includes things like self-respect and achievement. The final level of needs is called self-actualization needs, and includes things like personal growth and fulfillment.
It is important to note that not everyone will reach the final level of self-actualization. In fact, most people will only reach the first three levels of needs. However, the Hierarchy of Needs model is a useful way to understand the different factors that can motivate people.
There are many different theories of motivation, and each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. However, the Hierarchy of Needs model is one of the most widely accepted theories of motivation, and provides a good starting point for understanding why people do the things they do.
Bottom Line
Psychologists define motivation as the psychological process that gives behavior purpose and direction. Motivation is what causes us to act, whether it is to achieve a goal, avoid a negative consequence, or simply to satisfy a need.
