Overview
Write a 5-page assessment in which you describe the theories of two theorists who focus on motivation and explain how the theories represent an advancement over previous models.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
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Context
Motivation theorists assume that every behavior has a cause. Theories of motivation can serve as practical guides that give focus to the search for causes. Theories that have the broadest appeal are those that are capable of accounting for the greatest number of facts with the fewest possible concepts. However, attempts to achieve causal explanations of human motivation have often failed or led to oversimplification and eventual loss of a theory's explanatory power. Theories of the past have left an important body of psychological constructs that have become an integral part of current thinking about motivation. Today, as in the past, motivation theories are primarily concerned with identifying the causes of the arousal, direction, and persistence of behavior. However, unlike some of the previous theorists that are discussed in this chapter, current theorists are more eclectic in their search for causes and in examining the potential contributions of biological, learning, and cognitive processes to human motivation (Franken, 2007).
You will be asked, throughout the assessments, to take a multi-perspective (biological, learning, and cognitive) approach and apply it toward the study of motivation. Theories of motivation are "concerned with the origins or causes of action" (Franken, 2007). Early theories tended to provide rather narrow, causal explanations of motivated behavior-often focusing solely on biological, learning, or cognitive origins of action rather than taking an integrative approach. In the process, they either ignored individual differences in motivation or failed to provide adequate explanations for such differences. Within the context of contemporary "evolutionary psychology," you will take broader approach on how dispositions lead to action through the joint operation of biological, learning, and cognitive processes. These processes are the "components of motivation" (Franken, 2007).
Reference
Franken, R. E. (2007). Human motivation (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
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Questions to Consider
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
Resources
Suggested Resources
The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.
Multimedia
Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:
• Human Motivation and Performance Theories | Transcript.
Library Resources
The following e-books or articles from the University Library are linked directly in this course:
• Whiteley, P. (2002). Motivation. Oxford, UK: Capstone Publishing.
• Reiss, S. (2004). Multifaceted nature of intrinsic motivation: The theory of 16 basic desires. Review of General Psychology, 8(3), 179-193.
Course Library Guide
The University library guide has been created specifically for your use in this course. You are encouraged to refer to the resources in the PSYC-FP3770 - Psychology of Human Motivation and Performance Library Guide to help direct your research.
Bookstore Resources
The resources listed below are relevant to the topics and assessments in this course and are not required
Franken, R. E. (2007). Human motivation (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth.
• Assessment Instructions
For this assessment, select two theorists who focus on motivation and write a paper in which you describe their theories and explain how the theories represent an advancement over previous models.
Preparation
First, select two theorists from the lists below. You may select two individuals who focus on the same area of motivation, or you may select two theorists who focus on different areas.
• Area of Motivation: Instinct theories.
• Theorists: Darwin, Freud.
• Area of Motivation: Need or personality theories.
• Theorists: Maslow, Murray, Cattell.
• Area of Motivation: Drive or learning theories.
• Theorists: Hull, Watson, Skinner.
• Area of Motivation: Growth and mastery theories.
• Theorists: Deci and Ryan.
• Area of Motivation: Humanistic theories.
• Theorists: Maslow, Roger.
After you make your selections, research the theories of the two theorists you selected. Keep in mind that your paper must include at least two scholarly sources of supported evidence.
Instructions
Write a paper about the two theories you researched. In your paper, complete the following:
• Describe the theories. Identify the theorist associated with the model, the category (area of motivation) of each theory, and the essential elements that comprise each theory. Assess any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in the theories.
• Explain what differentiates each theory from the other.
• Describe how each theory does or does not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation.
• Place the theories within a historical context by explaining why each theory was an improvement on preceding theories in this area of motivation and behavior.
• Discuss which theory best informs or describes your personal behavior and why. Consider how the theory relates to you and whether it helps explain why you do some of the things you do.
Additional Requirements
Your paper should meet the following requirements:
• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA sixth edition style and formatting.
• Number of resources: At least 2 scholarly academic resources are included.
• Length of paper: The length is a minimum of 5 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference list.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font is used.