Theories Of Motivation: Imagine A Man Running Down The Middl

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Theories Of Motivationimagine a man is running down the middle of a busy street, leaping in the air, grabbing at something above his head and yelling at the top of his voice. Three people witness this event. Each has a different theory of motivation as to why the person is acting the way he is. Present the viewpoint of each witness. Then note where the theories each person holds are similar and where there are significant differences.

Begin thinking about and gathering material for your course reflection assignment, which is due at the end of Unit 10. Learning, according to the commonly accepted psychological definition, consists of a relatively permanent change in behavior as a result of experience, and not of physical injury or maturation. This final project gives you the opportunity to reflect on your journey through this course and on what you have learned. Write a 4–5 page essay that examines any changes (or learning) in the following areas, learning (or changes) that you can attribute to your experience in this course: 1. Your idea about the discipline of psychology: what did you think it was when you came into this course, and what do you think it is now? 2. Have any of your values changed? 3. Have you changed your career plans? 4. Are there any changes in your ideas about the relationship between psychology and society? Have the knowledge and practices psychology has developed been, and are they being, helpful or hurtful to society? Should psychology take positions on political issues, especially if there is empirical evidence that a certain practice has harmful effects? 5. Describe any other change or event of interest that you have found interesting, confusing, frustrating, or liberating. You do not need an index, abstract, or list of references for this essay, unless you use someone else's ideas. In all other respects, the essay should be formatted according to APA (6th edition) style and formatting. Include the following: · Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message. · Resources and citations are formatted according to APA (6th Edition) style and formatting. · Font and font size: Arial, 10 point. You will be required to submit this assignment to your ePortfolio, when it is due. Submit this assignment at the conclusion of Unit 10.

Paper For Above instruction

The scenario of a man running down a busy street, leaping, grabbing at something above his head, and shouting loudly, viewed by three witnesses through different theoretical lenses, offers a compelling illustration of various motivational theories in psychology. Each witness interprets his actions based on their understanding of motivation, revealing the diversity in psychological explanations—from biological instincts to cognitive processes and environmental influences. This discussion aims to present these viewpoints and analyze where they converge and diverge, providing insight into the multifaceted nature of motivation as explained by psychological theories.

Persona 1: The Biological Perspective

The first witness perceives the man's behavior as rooted in biological instincts or innate drives. This viewpoint aligns with theories such as Drive Reduction Theory, which suggests that biological needs generate internal states of tension (drives) that motivate individuals to act in ways that restore equilibrium. The witness might interpret the man's actions as an expression of an urgent need—perhaps a desire to find food, escape danger, or fulfill a primal impulse. For example, the man grabbing at something above his head could symbolize an instinctual search for sustenance or safety, while the shouting might be an involuntary vocalization linked to stress or excitement (Hull, 1943). Such behavior is seen as driven by innate biological processes aimed at satisfying fundamental needs essential for survival.

Persona 2: The Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective

The second witness understands the man’s actions through the lens of cognitive processes and learned behaviors. This perspective emphasizes the role of thoughts, perceptions, and past experiences influencing motivation. The man’s leap and yell could be reactions conditioned by prior experiences or an attempt to communicate a specific message. For instance, if he has learned that yelling attracts attention or signals distress, his behavior could be motivated by the goal of seeking help or asserting dominance (Miller & Dollard, 1941). The behavior is thus an operant response reinforced over time—perhaps the man has previously experienced that such actions result in desired outcomes, like assistance or social acknowledgment. This interpretation underscores the importance of environmental cues and learned associations in motivating behavior.

Persona 3: The Humanistic and Socio-cultural Perspective

The third witness offers a broader view, considering the man’s behavior as influenced by personal meaning and social context. According to Humanistic theories, such as those proposed by Carl Rogers (1959), behavior is motivated by innate drives toward self-actualization and expressing authentic emotions. The man’s exuberant actions could symbolize a desire for self-expression, liberation, or acknowledgment within his social environment. Alternatively, from a socio-cultural standpoint, his behavior might reflect a response to cultural norms, societal pressures, or a form of protest or celebration. His yelling and physicality could be interpreted as an attempt to communicate a message or stance within a social setting, emphasizing the influence of societal factors and personal identity in motivating such behavior.

Similarities and Differences in Theories of Motivation

Despite their differences, these perspectives share the common understanding that motivation is a complex interplay of internal drives, learned behaviors, and contextual influences. All three acknowledge that behavior serves a purpose, whether biological, psychological, or social. They also recognize that motivation is not solely rooted in one domain but rather results from multiple, interacting factors.

However, the theories diverge significantly in their focus: the biological perspective emphasizes innate drives and physiological needs, while the cognitive-behavioral view centers on learned responses shaped by environmental contingencies. The humanistic and socio-cultural approach broadens this view, emphasizing personal meaning and societal context. These differences highlight the importance of an integrative approach in understanding human motivation, acknowledging that no single theory can comprehensively explain all facets of human behavior.

In conclusion, the variety of explanations reflects the richness of psychological theories and their unique insights into motivation. While each provides valuable perspectives, integrating them offers a more comprehensive understanding of why individuals act the way they do, especially in complex, real-world situations such as witnessing a man acting exuberantly in a public space.

References

• Hull, C. L. (1943). Principles of behavior. Yale University Press.
• Miller, R. R., & Dollard, J. (1941). Social learning and imitation. Yale University Press.
• Rogers, C. (1959). A theory of therapy, personality, and interpersonal relationships: As developed in the client-centered framework. In S. Koch (Ed.), Psychology: A study of a science. Vol. 3: Formulations of the person and the social context (pp. 184–256). McGraw-Hill.
• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.
• Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
• Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective. Pearson Higher Ed.
• Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
• Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Free Press.
• Reeve, J. (2015). Understanding motivation and emotion. Wiley.
• Baumeister, R. F., & Vohs, K. D. (2016). Handbook of self-regulation: Research, theory, and applications. Guilford Publications.