Topic > Drive Reduction Theory and Motivation

Motivation is a term intrinsically linked to the factors that drive and energize human behavior and other organisms. There are many significant approaches to motivation and one of them is popular as drive reduction theory. It states that if an individual feels the lack of some fundamental biological needs such as water or food, there is a drive to acquire that requirement. Furthermore, a drive is a state or excitement that accumulates enough energy to satisfy some needs. There are two types of impulse: Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay Primary drive is one of the essential drives affiliated with such biological needs of the body. Secondary drives are needs acquired through previous background and learning. There is a basic motivational concept called homeostasis that is the root of primary drives and helps the body achieve its safe state of equilibrium. In the 1940s and 1950s, drive reduction theory gained popularity as an expression of behavior, understanding, and motivation. This theory was first developed by Clarke Hull and after a few periods of time it was developed by Kenneth Spence. Hull was the first behaviorist who tried to create this grand theory about various behaviors. He based his theory on the concept called homeostasis, which is a phenomenon that actively works to keep the internal state of our body stable according to its biological needs. For example, our body maintains a moderate temperature range and ensures that we do not get too hot or cold. Hull suggested from the previous example that motivation is created as a result of these biological requirements. Hull presented this concept as a drive term, which is a bridge between arousal activities and biological needs. Sleep, haste, shelter, security, all can be considered some examples of drives. Humans and animals always find a way to satisfy these biological needs in order to decrease this state of tension. We eat whenever we are hungry. We drink water whenever we are thirsty. We turn up the heat when it's cold outside. Hull suggested that humans and animals will continue this procedure that reduces these drives. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay It is clear that every living organism is motivated by this drive theory of reduction. People will find ways to realize their desires, whether they are primary or secondary. Although in today's competitive and cutthroat world humans are more motivated to make money and build their most lavish lifestyle, which taken as a secondary drive leads them to become more ambitious and work harder. However, we can say that with this number illegal actions also increase in different workplaces. We can give an example here too: if we run a marathon for a few hours, our body increases the internal temperature and all the organs of our body will feel exhausted and therefore to compensate for that state of our body we must drink energy drinks or water through which body it will meet its requirements and reach a stable internal state which can be seen as a homeostasis.