Can you remember a time when you were doing nothing at all? Whether this was a moment ago, last summer, or years ago, try to recall a time when you were just parked, motor idling.... Can you remember a time when you were doing nothing at all? Whether this was a moment ago, last summer, or years ago, try to recall a time when you were just parked, motor idling. Assuming you're not still in this state now—after all, you are reading this chapter—why didn't you just stay that way? The answer could be simple. Maybe you needed to go to the bathroom, or maybe you got hungry or bored. Maybe you were lonely or felt like you should be more productive. These answers—and others like them—invoke motives, or internal forces that move us to act in certain ways and not others. It would be handy if there were just one kind of motive that, when understood, could serve as the key to all our actions. However, things aren't that nice and tidy. In fact, we have many different types of motives, and they can often pull us in different directions.
Understand the Problem
The text discusses various theories and concepts related to human motivation and behavior, examining the different internal forces that drive us to act. It emphasizes the complexity of motives and how they relate to biological instincts and the need for homeostasis in our internal environment.
Answer
The concept of motives explains why we move from a state of inactivity to action, driven by various internal forces like hunger or productivity needs.
The answer explores the concept of motives, which are internal forces driving us to take certain actions and not others. It explains that multiple types of motives influence our behaviors, such as hunger, boredom, loneliness, and the desire for productivity.
Answer for screen readers
The answer explores the concept of motives, which are internal forces driving us to take certain actions and not others. It explains that multiple types of motives influence our behaviors, such as hunger, boredom, loneliness, and the desire for productivity.
More Information
This answer offers insights into human psychology, specifically focusing on what motivates individuals to transition from states of inactivity to activity. Understanding these motives helps explain many daily behaviors.
Tips
A common mistake might be to assume there's a singular reason when, in reality, multiple motives can influence behavior simultaneously.
