Use Each Of The Three Theories Of Motivation To Propose Ways ✓ Solved

Use each of the three theories of motivation to propose ways

1. Use each of the three theories of motivation to propose ways to increase motivation and performance in a place where you have worked (or in a class you have had).

2. Using the concept of a ‘set point’, explain why all diets that involve fluctuations in caloric intake are harmful and counter-productive.

3. Using the information in your text, explain why the U.S. is the most obese nation in the world even though Americans are not genetically different from people in other nations. Why is obesity genetically predisposed? Why is the need to belong genetically predisposed? What evidence supports this idea? In what ways does electronically mediated communication increase social connectedness, and in what ways does it decrease it? Which does it do more, overall.

6. Give an example from personal experience of each of the five theories of emotion.

7. Give examples of how recognition and expression of each of the basic emotions facilitates survival and reproduction. Also, give examples of emotions that differ across cultures and are clearly not genetically predisposed.

8. Why do polygraphs not work? Explain why in terms of the connection between physiological arousal and emotional experience and expression.

Paper For Above Instructions

Motivation is a critical component influencing performance in various settings, including workplaces and educational environments. Theories of motivation, such as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory, and Deci and Ryan's Self-Determination Theory, provide frameworks for enhancing motivation and improving performance. By applying these theories, organizations can create more fulfilling environments that promote employee engagement and productivity.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs posits that individuals are motivated to fulfill their basic psychological and physiological needs before progressing to higher-level needs such as esteem and self-actualization (Maslow, 1943). To implement this theory in the workplace, employers should first ensure that employees' basic needs are met. This includes providing adequate salary and job security, which cover physiological and safety needs. Following that, fostering a workplace culture that promotes teamwork and recognition can fulfill social and esteem needs. For instance, regular team-building activities and employee recognition programs can boost morale and encourage greater motivation among employees.

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory distinguishes between hygiene factors and motivators. Hygiene factors, such as salary, benefits, and work conditions, can lead to job dissatisfaction if inadequate. In contrast, motivators like recognition, achievement, and responsibility can lead to higher job satisfaction (Herzberg, 1966). Organizations can utilize this theory by ensuring a good work environment to mitigate dissatisfaction while also implementing programs that enhance job enrichment. By allowing employees to take on challenging projects or tasks that reflect their personal strengths and providing them with recognition after achieving those tasks, companies can foster a motivated workforce.

Self-Determination Theory emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and the role of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Deci & Ryan, 1985). Employers can enhance motivation by granting employees greater autonomy in their work, allowing them to make decisions regarding their tasks. Facilitating professional development opportunities can also enhance feelings of competence. For example, providing access to training programs or mentorship can help employees feel more capable and valued, which can, in turn, increase motivation and performance.

Addressing fluctuations in caloric intake through dieting connects to the concept of a ‘set point,’ which maintains a specific body weight and composition (Keesey, 1986). Diets that involve irregular caloric intake can disrupt this balance, leading the body to perceive a threat of starvation or energy deficiency. As a result, the body may slow metabolism or trigger cravings to compensate for perceived calorie deficits, making such diets counterproductive and harmful in the long run.

The United States holds the title of the most obese nation globally, despite its population not being genetically different from those of other countries. This situation may be rooted in cultural and environmental factors, such as the availability of high-calorie foods, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of public health education (Friedman & Brownell, 2004). Obesity is not only influenced by genetics, as genes can predispose individuals to weight gain. However, environmental triggers including dietary habits and lifestyle choices play a significant role in obesity outcomes. The need to belong, similarly rooted in evolutionary biology, can explain why social connections are crucial, impacting mental health and well-being, which may correlate with physical health (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).

In terms of electronically mediated communication, this has drastically changed how humans connect. Communications via social media can increase social connectedness by allowing individuals to maintain relationships despite geographical barriers. In contrast, these platforms can also lead to social isolation, as individuals may prioritize online interactions over face-to-face encounters. The balance between increased and decreased connectedness remains complex and may depend on individual usage patterns and preferences (Kraut et al., 2002).

Emotion theories, including the James-Lange Theory, Cannon-Bard Theory, Schachter-Singer Theory, cognitive appraisal theories, and the evolutionary perspective, each offer insight into how emotions influence behavior. For example, the evolutionary perspective explains that basic emotions like fear and joy are closely tied to survival and reproduction, such as fear driving individuals to avoid danger and seek safety (Izard, 1991). In contrast, emotions varying across cultures highlight that feelings are not solely genetically predisposed. For instance, certain cultures may express shame differently than others, significantly influencing social communication styles.

Lastly, polygraphs, commonly known as lie detectors, do not work effectively because they attempt to measure physiological responses tied to emotional experiences that are often highly variable and unreliable. Emotions are complex and can manifest differently depending on context, such that physiological arousal does not consistently correlate to deceptive behavior (Ginton et al., 2001). This variance underscores the need for a more comprehensive understanding of human emotion beyond physiological measures alone.

References

  • Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497-529.
  • Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.
  • Friedman, M. A., & Brownell, K. D. (2004). Psychological correlates of obesity: Moving to the next research generation. Obesity Research, 12(2), 183-191.
  • Ginton, A., Shkeidi, M., & Zimrin, J. (2001). Lie detection based on autonomic activity and the neural activities underlying this mechanism. Nature, 2(2), 222-236.
  • Herzberg, F. (1966). Work and the nature of man. World Publishing Company.
  • Izard, C. E. (1991). The psychology of emotions. Springer Verlag.
  • Keesey, R. E. (1986). The Body Weight Set Point: A Physiological Basis for the Obesity Epidemic. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 43(6), 1036-1038.
  • Kraut, R., Patterson, M., Lundmark, V., Kiesler, S., Mukopadhyay, T., & Scherlis, D. (2002). Internet paradox: A social technology that reduces social involvement and psychological well-being? American Psychologist, 53(9), 1017-1031.
  • Maslow, A. H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370-396.
  • Schachter, S., & Singer, J. (1962). Cognitive, social, and physiological determinants of emotional state. Psychological Review, 69(5), 379-399.