Motivation Discussion Paper Example

Motivation is an inner force or influence that propels someone to do something. There are different theories that explain motivation. The first theory is drive reduction theory which states that behavior is motivated by biological needs (Myers, & DeWall, 2014). Regarding to this theory, a need is a body requirement for free lifestyle while the drive is the personal thrust to satisfy the need. The drives are categorized into two; primary drives like thirst and hunger, secondary drives which are acquired like money (Myers, & DeWall, 2014). Secondary drives may include all incentives that initiate thrust to satisfy needs. This strength of this theory is that, one can be naturally motivated to do something to the level best but this theory has a weakness whereby if secondary drives are not there, no push to perform the needs. The next theory of motivation is Arousal theory which states that performance depends on maximum level of excitement (Myers, & DeWall, 2014). Regarding this theory, the motivation relies directly on incitement or arousal. The strength of this theory is that high levels of excitement can make us perform very well on basic task but it has a weakness when it comes to the approach of difficult tasks. Regarding arousal theory the level of excitement will affect the performance of harder task as compared to simple tasks.

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The other theory that explains motivation is the incentive theory which defines motivation as a behavior that is driven by desire (Myers, & DeWall, 2014). In this theory incentives are used as the stimuli to the behavior. Regarding this particular theory, its strength relies on the presences of incentives but again it has a weakness since the absence of these incentives reduces the stimuli to the behavior. The fourth theory on motivation is the instinct theory which states that motivation relies on instincts and other complex behaviors which follow a particular pattern in a number of species. The instincts are naturally acquired, and therefore no need to learn how to stimulate the motivation. Instinct theory is more involving towards initiating motivation but the weakness of this theory is that external factors play a significant role when controlling the behavior. From my opinion, these theories are applicable to every individual but personal perspective and drive can limit self-motivation.

The Maslows hierarchy of needs cultural implications is that these needs are not satisfied and other cultures prioritize some needs different from Maslow. These needs apply to everybody regardless of the culture or class. What makes the difference in getting to the apex of the triangle for self-actualization is personal difference. As for my opinion, there is nobody or culture where this hierarchy of needs is inappropriate since it cuts across everyone despite your background. Above self-actualization, the transcendence level where people focus on spiritual matters and giving assistance, it is a personal initiative and not a culture driven motivation. All cultures have the lower needs met but seeking spiritual growth remains an independent motivation.

References

Myers, D. G., & DeWall, C. N. (2014). Exploring psychology with updates on dsm-5. New York,

NY: Worth Pub.