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concept of motivation

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Define motivation.

Identify at least two sources of motivation.

Explain the relationship between motivation and behavior.

Examine how motivation is exhibited in behavior.

References.

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Solution Summary

The expert defines motivation concepts. The relationship between motivation and behavior is explained.

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Motivation
Motivation is basically involves a desire for something and performing an action to go and get it. A more scientific definition is the activation of goal-oriented behavior, or voluntary movements that are performed in order to satisfy a need. If you are hungry, you are motivated to find a piece of food. If you are cold, you will perform behaviors that will raise your body temperature, like rubbing your arms or building a fire. If a female rat is in her fertile part of the estrous cycle, she is motivated to find a male to mate with. One way to think of motivation is as a driving force for behavior which will minimize physical pain and maximize pleasure.

There are two main types of motivation: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is performing a behavior for the reward inherent in the task. This type of motivation is usually intellectual or mental and a task is performed for the pleasure of doing the task, the reward of learning something new, or because it is morally the right thing to do. An example might be volunteering to feed the homeless or studying hard to improve your knowledge. On the other hand, studying hard can also have an extrinsic motivation, to get a good grade. Extrinsic motivation involves factors and/or rewards external to the ...

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