Motivation Theory: What Keeps Humans
Motivated
There have been numerous discussions on the different kinds of
motivation theory over the years. From Abraham Maslow and
Clayton Alderfer who expanded on Maslow’s structure of needs,
to Leon Festinger and David McClelland, it does not seem that
humans do not just do things to do them. If you’re confused
then join the club. Why can’t we just say that humans do what
we do simply because we want to? Because much like the baby
that figures out how to reach the very thing they aren’t
supposed to have, humans of all ages have a driving force
within them to do things, but the reasoning as to why
varies.
Most motivation theory is based on doable tasks or
achievements. For example, with the Expectancy Theory there are
things we want or desire and therefore we do what we do in
anticipation that we will achieve the goal (or the thing we
want). A young child will clean their room in anticipation of
being able to go outside and play. They know this a task that
they can accomplish so there is no problem attaining what they
want. In a similar motivation theory, In Goal-Setting theory,
the motivation is that we set and achieve goals with the result
of reaching a specific reward or achievement. One of the
differences between these two motivation theories though is
that with an expectancy theory the achievement is easily
attainable. Goal setting takes into the consideration the
difficulty of the task.
Another view on motivation theory is looking at what people are
considering before undertaking a task. Many thoughts come into
play when we decide on a goal, achievement. Even our values and
beliefs take part in the decision making process of motivation.
If something does not sit well within us, our motivation may
not be as strong to act on the task whereas, if we firmly value
or think that something is important, our motivation will
reflect that as well. Some theories suggest that we do things
based in part on our ability and desire to control the world
around us.
Ask a child why he hit another child, or ask a criminal why he
robbed the grocery and you will be examining another facet of
motivation theory. “Why” questions are so often paired with
motivation because they seek to answer what our reasoning for
moving in one direction as opposed to another are. If you can
answer the “why,” then you will have successfully found out the
motivation for what we have done. This offering of an
explanation is called the “Attribution” motivation theory. It
can either have external or internal explanation. Rarely will
you find a child willing to offer up an internal explanation,
“I hit him so he could feel how hard I can swing my fist.” More
likely, you will get a child that wants to offer up the
external portion of this theory, “He made me do it.”
Researchers are now able to put apply a motivation theory to
different parts of life. These theories are now used in
education and instruction, business, and science. Even gender
is a factor in motivation theory and is currently being
studied. Scientists are now learning how to control and
organize motivation. The use of different drugs is being tested
as motivation enhancers. With technology ever changing, people
can even program motivation into their daily schedules with the
use of ipods and blackberry devices. With all the studying of
motivation, scientists are still baffled by people’s lack of
motivation, especially when there seems to be no limit on how
humans can motivate themselves. The next time you are motivated
to try something new or work towards a goal, think about what
kind of motivation theory scientists would classify you
under.
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