Psychology: Introduction to motivation, and Factors affecting motivation

(ITP-25) Introduction to motivation, and Factors affecting motivation

 

Abstract

Motivation is a complex process influenced by both internal and external factors. Two main types of motivation are extrinsic (externally driven) and intrinsic (internally driven). Motivation can vary in intensity, direction, and persistence depending on the situation and the individual. Many factors can affect motivation, including biological, emotional, cognitive, and social factors. Our basic physiological and psychological needs can drive us to act in certain ways.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs categorizes human needs into five levels, from basic survival needs to the highest level of needs for personal growth and fulfillment. These needs drive our motivation and influence our actions.

Introduction to Motivation

Motivation is a complex process that involves biological, emotional, cognitive, and social factors. It can be influenced by both internal and external factors, such as our needs, goals, values, expectations, rewards, and punishments. Motivation can also vary in intensity, direction, and persistence depending on the situation and the individual.

Types of Motivation

There are two main types of motivation: extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motivation.

Ø  Extrinsic motivation is when we are motivated by external factors, such as rewards, punishments, or social pressure. For example, a student may study hard for a test because they want to get a good grade and impress their parents or teacher.

Ø  Intrinsic motivation is when we are motivated by internal factors, such as personal interest, enjoyment, or satisfaction. For example, a student may study a subject they love because they find it fascinating and enjoyable.

 

Factors Affecting Motivation

There are many factors that can affect motivation, including biological, emotional, cognitive, and social factors.

1.  Needs:

Our basic physiological and psychological needs, such as hunger, thirst, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization, can drive us to act in certain ways.

 

 

2.  Goals:

Our desired outcomes, such as achievement, affiliation, power, and autonomy, can provide direction and meaning to our actions.

 

3.  Values:

Our beliefs about what is important and desirable, such as fairness, justice, honesty, and respect, can shape our attitudes and behaviors.

 

 

 

 

4.  Expectations:

Our beliefs about what we can achieve and how likely we are to succeed, such as self-efficacy and locus of control, can affect our confidence and persistence

 

 

5.  Rewards and punishments:

The consequences of our actions, such as praise, grades, money, and social approval, can reinforce or discourage certain behaviors.

 

6.  Social influence:

The norms, expectations, and feedback from others, such as peers, parents, and teachers, can impact our motivation and performance.

 

7.  Emotions:

Our feelings, such as joy, fear, anger, and sadness, can influence our motivation and behavior in different ways.

 

8.  Environmental Factor Motivation

Environmental factors, as related to genetics, refers to exposures to substances where we live or work, behaviors (such as smoking or poor diet) that can increase an individual's risk of disease or stressful situations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motives

 

 

Abraham Maslow's Theory

 

There is a well-known theory of motivation called "Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs," which suggests that human needs are organized in a hierarchy of five levels, from the most basic physiological needs to the highest level of self-actualization. According to Maslow, people are motivated to satisfy their needs in a sequential order, with each level building on the previous one. Once a lower level of needs is met, people are motivated to move up to the next level. The five levels of Maslow's hierarchy of needs are:

 

 

 

1.  Physiological needs:

The most basic needs for survival, such as food, water, shelter, and sleep.

 

2.  Safety needs:

 The needs for security, stability, and protection from harm.

 

3.  Love and belongingness needs:             

The needs for social connection, affection, and intimacy.

 

4.  Esteem needs:

The needs for recognition, respect, and self-esteem.

 

5.  Self-actualization needs:

The highest level of needs for personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Our motivation is driven by our basic physiological and psychological needs, such as food, water, shelter, safety, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization. These needs can be categorized into five levels, starting from the most basic needs for survival to the highest level of needs for personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment. Meeting these needs can drive us to act in certain ways and influence our motivation.