Motivation: Definition and Types PDF

What’s New Motivation: Definition and Types Motivation is a complex concept that includes both internal and external factors. It drives and sustains an individual's behavior toward specific goals. Motivation originates from the word " motives," which means "a moving cause" in Latin. It involves c...

What’s New Motivation: Definition and Types Motivation is a complex concept that includes both internal and external factors. It drives and sustains an individual's behavior toward specific goals. Motivation originates from the word " motives," which means "a moving cause" in Latin. It involves cognitive, emotional, and social factors that lead people to engage in purposeful and goal-directed behaviors. Psychologists study why people's behavior changes. They look at what drives these changes, whether they come from inside or outside. For example, psychologists know that motivation can change a lot. People may start with high motivation to finish something, but this can go down because of changes inside them or outside influences. Everything we do for its own sake eventually becomes a motive, along with some of these needs. Our environment and social context affect extrinsic motivation a lot. Our goals, personal values, and the desire to feel specific emotions linked to certain outcomes motivate and drive our actions and decisions. We have previously examined motivation. Now, let us explore the different types of motivation to better understand it. Motivation is important because it affects many parts of our lives, careers, personal growth, and school performance. Also, it is essential to know that motivation is a big focus in psychology research, giving us valuable insights into how people behave and make decisions in different situations. Main Types of Motivation 1) Intrinsic Motivation Intrinsic motivation occurs when an individual does something because an individual finds it satisfying, enjoyable, or engaging rather than for a reward. It involves doing things because a person genuinely cares about them. This type of motivation stems from people's passion for the activity, demonstrating how a person's beliefs, values, and interests influence the behavior. It underscores the importance of genuine interest, enjoyment, and personal fulfillment in whatever someone does, whether work, school, or hobbies.’ There are numerous instances of intrinsic motivation in daily life. For instance, if a person engages in a sport for the pleasure it brings rather than for competition or victory, they are driven by intrinsic motivation. Types of Intrinsic Motivation 1. Competence Motivation Wanting to be good at something is called competence motivation. People driven by this type of motivation are more interested in learning and improving than in achieving a specific outcome. Those motivated by competence are more focused on learning and improvement than on the result as they strive to reach a goal or perform a task. 2. Creative Motivation The desire to be creative usually comes from the feeling that an individual has something to say and needs to be heard. Anything an individual makes to express themselves is driven by creativity, whether an individual wants everyone or just a specific group to see it. Someone with creative tendencies is naturally motivated to create or invent something new and different, driven by their need for meaningful creative expression. 3. Achievement Motivation Similar to competence motivation, achievement motivation aims to accomplish personal growth objectives. This type of motivation is fueled by the aspiration to complete tasks or achieve goals for their own sake rather than solely for the associated rewards. People with achievement motivation are usually compelled to reach objectives to progress and succeed. 4. Attitude Motivation Attitude and motivation are closely connected. How a person sees things largely influences what drives them. Some people are motivated to impact the world or help others positively. These individuals behave and interact to improve their and others' quality of life, even if their motivation is similar to socially focused motivation. 5. Physiological Motivation Humans have basic physical and psychological needs that are essential to their nature and cannot be ignored. Physiological motivation refers to the motivations that arise from these needs. For example, when you pursue someone because you are in love, your actions are driven by primal, deep physical impulses that cannot be ignored, no matter how hard you try. This represents the internal and external physical factors that motivate us. 2) Extrinsic Motivation Extrinsic motivation means that external things make people do things. There are two types: rewards and punishments. It includes anything that makes people do things because they get something good, like money or recognition. Extrinsic motivation is more common than intrinsic motivation. It means doing things for a reward because of fear or pressure from outside. Extrinsic motivation can come in various forms. For example, it could be when people work hard to earn good grades, strive for a bonus, or compete for recognition or prizes. These external factors can strongly influence performance. Types of Extrinsic Motivation 1. Incentive Motivation When someone is motivated to complete a task mainly because of the potential reward, it is called incentive motivation. Instead of being motivated by the task itself, people who are motivated by incentives take action because they expect a reward. Incentive motivation can be used with achievement motivation, even though it may seem the opposite. 2. Fear Motivation One type of motivation that uses outcomes to make people act is fear motivation. Fear motivation is sometimes called a "negative motivator" because it drives behavior by avoiding discomfort or negative results instead of rewarding behavior. It is the kind of motivation that helps people achieve goals they might not otherwise reach. It is driven more by a fear of discomfort or embarrassment than financial gain. 3. Power Motivation Power motivation drives people to seek control over their own lives and others. Everyone wants options and strives to expand them, exerting influence over their surroundings. Some are motivated to achieve great things by being able to change a situation; this is known as power motivation. Throughout history, people have been motivated by having authority over others' lives. 4. Affiliation Motivation People seek acceptance and belonging in their social groups and relationships. This drive encourages participation in activities that promote social interaction by emphasizing the value of connections and community. It helps develop networks and communication skills but can raise concerns about fitting in. Affiliative motivation nurtures the feeling of being accepted and belonging to a group or community.