Theories of Motivation

Each of the three diagrams is of a unique structure. The diagram for Drive reduction theory has text under the title that reads, Homeostasis motivates us to meet psychological needs. Under this text is a ring of text bubbles that are connected by arrows. At the top of the ring is a large bubble with the word Equilibrium in it. The rest of the ring consists of three Text-bubbles, whose arrows point, clockwise, as follows; Food and water - Balance disturbed by deprivation; Hunger and thirst - Need creates a drive to restore balance; and Eating and drinking - drive-reducing behaviors restore balance. The second diagram for Arousal Theory has text under the title that reads; Humans have an innate need to seek an optimal level of stimulation. Under this text is a graph. The graph’s vertical axis represents the level of comfort, and its horizontal axis represents the level of arousal. The graph depicts a normally distributed bell curve. The mid area of the bell curve is labeled optimum arousal. The left side of the bell curve, with the lowest levels of arousal and low level of comfort, has text attached to it that reads Boredom drives curiosity and activity-seeking behavior. The right side of the bell curve has the highest levels of arousal and also low levels of comfort. Text attached to the section reads, Feels like anxiety to some, but sensation seekers are comfortable here. The third diagram shows the hierarchy of needs. Text under the title reads Abraham Maslow’s theory combines physiological and psychological needs in a hierarchy or sequence. We are motivated to meet higher-level needs when psychological needs at the base of the hierarchy have been met. Beside this text, the diagram is shown as a pyramid that is divided into six horizontal sections, where each section is smaller than the one below it, and the top section is a triangle. Each section has a title, sub-title, and correlating text providing examples of the sort of features included in the section. The six sections read, bottom to top, as follows. 1. Physiological; to have a balance of bodily systems. Food, Water, Sleepage 2. Safety; to feel safe and secure. Shelter, stability, security, protection. 3. Love and belongingness; to feel part of the group, to have relationships. Family bonds, close friends, sense of community. 4. Esteem. To achieve, to have self-respect and feelings of independence. Financial independence, completing education, competence. Self actualization; to strive for one’s fullest potential. Self-fulfillment, being the best in one’s field, expressing one’s creativity. Self transcendence; to extend beyond self. Dedication to a cause, deep spiritual experiences, supporting others’ goals.