Table : Table 4.4 Theories of Motivation
TheoryExplanation
Drive-reduction theoryOur behavior is motivated to reduce drives (bodily tension states) created by unsatisfied bodily needs to return the body to a balanced internal state
Incentive theoryOur behavior is motivated by incentives (external stimuli that we have learned to associate with reinforcement)
Arousal theoryOur behavior is motivated to maintain an optimal level of physiological arousal