Movitatoin

Motivation is the process of being moved into action or the process of being moved into cognition, feeling, and action (Deckers, 2010). Motivation can be induced by several different sources; “…internal state or condition that activates behavior and gives it direction,” a “desire or want that energizes and directs goal-oriented behavior,” or “influence of needs and desires on the intensity and direction of behavior” (Huitt, 2011). An individual’s actions or behavior are not produced unexpectedly; they are triggered by internal motives or environmental influences (Deckers, 2010). Motivation is a sequence of events that progresses from motives and predicted incentives to a condition where the motives are fulfilled and incentives are reached (Deckers, 2010). There are many sources of motivation and no single theory can account for all the characteristics of the motivational process. However, there are many approaches and theories and each one contributes to the understanding of the motivational process and the sources of motivation. The instinctive theory of motivation is characterized by the assumption that an “…innate biological force causes [an individual] to act in a certain way” (Westmont Psychology, 2013). On the other hand, incentive theory “…rather than assume that [individuals] are pushed to do things…” incentive theorists believe that individuals “…are pulled toward certain goals” (Westmont Psychology, 2013). While no single theory can possibly encompass every individual and unique characteristic of the motivational process or the sources of motivation, both the instinctive and incentive theory have many important aspects to help better understand motivation as a whole.
Westmont Psychology. (2013). Motivation. Retrieved July 20, 2013, from http://www.westmont.edu/~bsmith/general/lectureoutlines/11motivation/theoriesmotivation.html
Huitt, W. (2011). Motivation to learn: An overview. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State