Motivation covers all the internal and external factors that direct, energize, and sustain goal-oriented behavior. Psychologists have proposed several theories to explain what moves us to act, including the instinct, drive-reduction, arousal, and cognitive approaches. Together, they span everything from basic biological survival needs to complex desires for external rewards and personal fulfillment.
Exams frequently test the Yerkes-Dodson Law, especially the inverse link between task difficulty and optimal arousal: the harder the task, the lower the arousal you want. Students often mix up drive-reduction and arousal theories, so keep this straight: drive-reduction theory is about eliminating tension to reach homeostasis, while arousal theory is about maintaining a comfortable level of stimulation. You should also be ready to tell intrinsic motivation (doing something for internal joy) from extrinsic motivation (doing it for external rewards) in applied scenarios.
Part of Basic Psychology, module “Motivation & Emotion”. Sign in (free) to read the full notes, flashcards and the lesson quiz.