Psychology uses a number of theories to explain a concept or
term. Same is for “motivation”
Why do you write civil service again and again? What motivates
Leander Paes or Dhoni to practice before each match? What motivated a rich man’s
son to shed his weight?
The theories as single or mostly as a bundle can be used to
explain motivation. The earliest of the theories is Drive Theory. In common
parlance motivation is often called as drive too. What drives you to do it? Is common
way of asking What motivated you?.
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The drive theory is used to explain behaviors like drinking
water or eating food. The basic biological needs pushes a person to do a behavior
to reduce the need.
Biological need - > drive - > bahaviour -> reduces
drive - > need satisfied (for that
time to re-occur later).
The drive is closely related to homeostasis. The drive leads
to behavior for human body to reach homeostasis. Homeostasis is a concept in
physiology which tells that body functions maintain the cells or body in normal
range. Once the homeostasis is disturbed ( hunger/thirst) the body balance
changes. This creates a drive for the human being to act in manner to maintain
this homeostasis.
The theory which was initially used to explain eating or
drinking was later extended to other behavioral patterns. But the extent to
which it can explain all types of motivation is questionable.
Eg: Person may read erotic material to increase sexual
excitement even though sexual activity may not be anticipated. Here the behavior
increase drive.
This and many other behavior shows that drive theory is
insufficient to explain “motivation”.
.. to be continued!
Keywords: biological need, homeostasis
Definition
Motivation: Internal processes that activate, guide and maintain behaviour over time (source: Robert A Baron)
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