Motivation is the drive or force that gives purpose and direction to behaviour. This lesson covers the sources of motivation and two major theories: self-determination theory and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
1. Sources of motivation
Motivation can arise from physiological sources, cognitions, emotions and social sources.
2. Self-determination theory (Deci and Ryan)
Behaviour is regulated along a continuum of motivation:
- Amotivation — a lack of motivation to act.
- Extrinsic motivation — driven by external rewards or pressures (e.g. working for pay).
- Intrinsic motivation — driven by internal satisfaction (e.g. doing something because it feels good).
The theory identifies three psychological needs for motivation:
- Autonomy — the need to feel in control of one's own behaviours and goals.
- Competence — the need to gain mastery and feel effective in one's activities.
- Relatedness — the need to feel connected to others and have a sense of belonging.
3. Maslow's hierarchy of needs (1954, 1970)
A motivational model based on a hierarchy of human needs: behaviour is influenced by the need an individual is attempting to satisfy, and lower needs must generally be met before higher ones. The first four levels are deficiency needs; the top is a growth need.
- Physiological — biological survival (air, food, shelter).
- Safety — stability, predictability and control (financial/emotional security, health).
- Love and belonging — to love and be loved, romantically and platonically.
- Esteem — to feel good about oneself and be valued by others.
- Self-actualisation — achieving one's potential (personal growth, peak experiences).
The 1970 expansion added cognitive, aesthetic (appreciation and search for beauty) and transcendence (connecting beyond the self, helping others achieve their potential) needs.
Work through these together.
Classifying states of motivation
For each, decide as a class whether it shows amotivation, extrinsic or intrinsic motivation:
Studying only to avoid failing:
Reading a novel purely for enjoyment:
Not bothering to start an assignment at all:
Mapping a workplace to Maslow
A manager wants to improve staff motivation. For each strategy, identify which level of Maslow's hierarchy it targets:
- Ensuring stable, on-time pay.
- Running team social events.
- Introducing an "employee of the month" award.
Answer independently, using examination-style directive verbs.
Q1. Define the psychological term 'motivation'. (1 mark)
Q2. Define each of Deci and Ryan's three psychological needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. (3 marks)
Q3. A teacher lets a student choose their project topic, provides regular feedback, and allows group work. Apply Deci and Ryan's self-determination theory to explain how the teacher is keeping the student motivated. (6 marks)
Q4. Describe each element of Maslow's (1954) hierarchy of needs. (10 marks)
Q5. Explain the three needs added in Maslow's (1970) expansion of the hierarchy. (4 marks)