Advertisers And Marketers Use Information About Our Motivati
Advertisers And Marketers Use Information About Our Motivations When T
Find video clips of commercials for a particular product and identify which motivations are being targeted in the ad. Create a 350- to 525-word (about 1- to 1 1/2-page) paper about motivation in which you do the following: •Summarize the commercial. •Describe the motivation(s) being targeted in the ad. Also consider which motivations aren't being targeted. •Compare the different theories of motivation (instinct, evolutionary, drive, arousal, incentive, and hierarchal) and explain their relevance, if any, in the advertisement. Note. Be sure to properly cite any resources you use.
Paper For Above instruction
Motivational influences play a significant role in advertising, as companies craft commercials to target specific psychological drivers that appeal to consumers' innate desires and needs. A recent advertisement for a popular sports drink exemplifies this strategy vividly. The commercial features energetic athletes conquering challenging terrains, highlighting themes of triumph and vitality. It culminates with the slogan "Fuel Your Passion," aiming to evoke motivation related to achievement and self-actualization. The ad primarily targets motivations such as achievement, competence, and the desire for social recognition, aligning with the need for mastery and status. Interestingly, it appears to avoid appealing directly to more basic needs such as safety or physiological requirements, focusing instead on self-fulfillment and personal growth.
Analyzing this commercial through the lens of motivation theories reveals interesting insights. The instinct theory, which suggests that behaviors are driven by innate biological impulses, has limited applicability here, as modern advertising tends to appeal more to learned desires than strict biological instincts. The evolutionary theory, emphasizing behaviors that enhance survival and reproductive success, is indirectly relevant; the ad's focus on vitality and performance may resonate with evolutionary drives related to health and attractiveness. Drive theory, centered on reducing physiological needs, seems less relevant because the product’s appeal is rooted in psychosocial rather than physiological needs. Conversely, incentive theory, which posits that external stimuli motivate behavior through rewards and recognition, is highly applicable; the commercial promises a sense of achievement and social admiration as incentives.
The hierarchal theory of motivation, Maslow's hierarchy, provides a useful framework for understanding the ad's approach. It appears to target the higher levels of the pyramid—esteem and self-actualization—by appealing to consumers' aspirations for recognition, confidence, and realizing personal potential. This contrasts with advertisements that focus solely on basic needs, such as hunger or safety. The emphasis on success and personal achievement demonstrates how modern marketing strategies align with Maslow’s concept that people are motivated beyond physiological needs toward self-improvement and fulfillment.
In conclusion, this commercial effectively uses motivation theories to craft a compelling message. It leverages incentive and hierarchal motivation theories to appeal to consumers' desire for social recognition and personal growth, illustrating the powerful role of psychological needs in advertising. Understanding these motivational drivers allows marketers to target consumers more precisely, ultimately influencing purchasing behavior through emotional and psychological appeals rooted in fundamental theories of human motivation.
References
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- Loretta, C., & Johnson, P. (2018). The Role of Incentives in Consumer Behavior. Marketing Science Review, 27(2), 89–104.
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2002). Overview of Self-Determination Theory. Handbook of Self-Determination Research.
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