S04.s1 - Material
Temas abordados
S04.s1 - Material
Temas abordados
Hedonistic theories of motivation, such as those influenced by Freud, focus on the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain. They view the primary goal of motivated behavior as reducing tension and fulfilling innate bodily needs to achieve pleasure . In contrast, cognitive theories emphasize the role of mental processes and the individual's expectations in motivating behavior. Cognitive theories consider how expectations and perceived value of reinforcement influence motivation, suggesting that internal cognitive processes, such as plans, decisions, and expectations, are primary motivators . The hedonistic model centers around pleasure and tension reduction, while cognitive theories focus on mental evaluations and expectations regarding outcomes .
Leon Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory explains human motivation by suggesting that individuals are motivated to reduce the discomfort caused by inconsistent cognitions. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds conflicting beliefs or behaviors, leading to psychological tension. To alleviate this discomfort, individuals are motivated to change their attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors to achieve consistency. For example, a person who values health but smokes might quit smoking or justify the habit to reduce dissonance between the action and the belief . This theory emphasizes the motivational drive to achieve cognitive harmony, influencing subsequent behaviors and attitudes .
Theories utilizing external incentives explain behavioral drives by emphasizing the role of external rewards and reinforcements in motivating behavior. Hedonistic theories and those based on behavioral psychology suggest that incentives such as rewards and punishments directly influence motivation by reinforcing certain behaviors. For instance, the hedonistic model includes rewards that aim to maximize pleasure and minimize discomfort . In behavioral perspectives, external reinforcements including immediate rewards or punishments effectively guide behavior by increasing the likelihood of desired actions when positive reinforcement is provided, or discouraging undesirable behaviors through negative reinforcement or punishment . The fundamental idea is that external factors can shape and sustain motivated behavior by using satisfaction associated with these incentives .
In McClelland’s theory of learned needs, interpersonal relationships and social acceptance are critically important under the need for affiliation. This theory posits that individuals have different degrees of need for achievement, power, and affiliation. The need for affiliation reflects a desire for friendly and close interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the importance of social interaction and acceptance. People with a high need for affiliation seek approval and acceptance, valuing cooperation over competition and often avoiding conflicts. This need drives behavior towards socialization and creating harmonious relationships, highlighting its significant role in guiding social behaviors and motivations . Interpersonal relationships help reduce anxiety and enhance personal satisfaction and motivation through social connectivity .
In the humanistic perspective, personal autonomy and self-determination are central to the understanding of motivation. Theories such as those proposed by Maslow and Rogers focus on self-actualization, where individuals seek to fulfill their potential and achieve personal growth. This process is inherently linked to autonomous behavior and self-determination, as individuals prioritize inner development and personal freedom over external demands. Humanists argue that motivation is driven by the need for growth, autonomy, and self-fulfillment, rather than solely by external rewards or societal pressures, highlighting an intrinsic motivation toward achieving one's highest self-capability . These components underscore the belief that humans have an intrinsic drive to achieve autonomy and control over their own lives .
Clark Hull's theory of homeostasis explains motivated behavior as a mechanism to maintain equilibrium within physiological and psychological conditions. According to Hull, internal motives act as instruments by which an organism returns to a state of balance or homeostasis. This suggests that behaviors are driven to satisfy needs that restore stability in an individual's internal environment .
Behavioral theories posit that reinforcement and punishment are key mechanisms shaping behavior by either encouraging or discouraging specific actions. Positive reinforcement involves providing a rewarding stimulus following desired behavior, thereby increasing the likelihood of repetition. Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to strengthen behavior. Conversely, punishment aims to decrease or eliminate a behavior by introducing an aversive consequence or removing a favorable outcome. These processes are foundational in understanding motivational drives within the context of reinforcement schedules and consequences that guide learning and behavior modification . Behavioral theories emphasize the immediate and tangible impacts of reinforcements and punishments in shaping future actions .
Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs is foundational in humanistic theories of motivation, positing that human behavior is motivated by a series of hierarchical needs. According to Maslow, individuals are motivated to fulfill basic physiological and safety needs before addressing psychological needs, such as social belonging and esteem. Ultimately, individuals seek self-actualization, the realization of their potential and personal growth. This progression influences motivational behavior, as unmet lower-level needs will dominate an individual's focus until they are satisfied, allowing higher-level needs to emerge . Humanistic theories emphasize the inherent drive towards personal growth and self-realization .
Victor Vroom's expectancy theory posits that motivation is the result of three variables: expectancy, instrumentality, and valence. Motivation increases when individuals believe that effort will lead to desired performance (expectancy), performance will lead to specific outcomes (instrumentality), and those outcomes are valued (valence). Therefore, if an individual perceives that their effort leads to high performance and that performance leads to valuable rewards, motivation and performance will be high . Vroom's theory highlights the importance of individual perceptions and the cognitive evaluation of efforts, performance, and rewards in the motivational process .
Applying Maslow’s principles in educational settings can enhance student learning and engagement by addressing students' hierarchical needs. Educators can create a supportive learning environment by first meeting students' basic physiological needs, such as nutrition and rest, followed by ensuring a safe and secure classroom environment. Teachers can build a sense of belonging and esteem by fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that values student input and recognizes achievements. By facilitating opportunities for students to explore and express their creativity, educators can promote self-actualization, encouraging students to reach their potential and engage deeply in their learning activities. This holistic approach promotes intrinsic motivation and greater academic achievement by addressing the full spectrum of student needs .