I’m sure you would love to know what the driving force is behind some of your actions. What makes you study everyday for one course, but barely open a book for another? Why do you seek the attention of certain people, but not others? You may actively participate in one class, but never contribute to the discussion in another class. These all are factors relating to motivation. As degree pursuing students, you will learn all about motivation and motivational theories in the Intro to Psychology course. Try to research school scholarships in order to work towards your future.

Psychologists agree that motivation is an internal state that arouses, directs, and maintains behavior. Upon formulating their theories, motivational psychologists focused on five fundamental questions: What choices direct our behavior? How much time does it take to commence the activity? How engaged is the person in the activity? What makes the person persevere or give up? What feelings does the activity evoke? Read up on college psychology programs to help you realize your career goals.

There are two characteristics upon which motivation is based: internal and external factors. Intrinsic (internal) motivation refers to a person’s innate tendency to meet and defeat challenges for personal gratification, and the opportunity to exercise their capabilities. Intrinsically motivated people do not need incentives or the threat of punishment, because the activity itself is rewarding.

At the other end of the spectrum is external or extrinsic motivation, which is created by external factors like rewards and punishments. People tend to be extrinsically motivated when they do something to earn a grade, please a teacher, avoid punishment, or anything else that has nothing to do with the activity itself. The activity has no real value; the reward or punishment is the only concern.

You will learn about several approaches to motivation in the Intro to Psychology class. One of the general approaches is the behavioral theory. Behaviorists view motivation in terms of “rewards” and “incentives.” A reward is supplied as a consequence of a particular behavior. An incentive encourages or discourages behavior. A simple example of an incentive is a student who studied for his/her exam in hopes of getting an A+. The promise of the A+ was the incentive, and the actual receipt of the grade is the reward. Behavioral theorists believe if certain behaviors are motivated by rewards and incentives, people will develop tendencies that dictate behavior.

The humanistic approach to motivation is a solid example of extrinsic motivation. This opinion interprets motivation as a person’s need for self-actualization. People are continually motivated by the natural need to fulfill their potential. Consequently, motivation is encouraged through inner resources like autonomy, self-esteem, personal growth, and competence.

Cognitive theorists believe that behavior is determined by our thinking. The cognitive approach emphasizes intrinsic motivation; people are motivated due to their own personal needs and desires. Theorists contend cognitively motivated people are active and curious and constantly searching for means to solve personally relevant problems. Motivation comes from the need to understand and comprehend.

There are so many components to the Intro to Psychology course. You will learn so much about human thought and behavior and the intricacies of why people act and think the way they do. By the end of the course, you will have a greater appreciation for yourself and others! Enroll for free colleges and earn an education at no cost to you. Afterwards, look at online college courses and learn at your own pace.