Question

The purpose of this assignment is for students to show an understanding of Motivation and concepts associated with it. Students must then apply this understanding to a specific example and to an example in their own life.

To successfully complete this assignment, students must:
Answer every question in complete sentences!

For this assignment read the example below, then answer the questions:

When asked why he wants to become a doctor, James replies, “Because I am just really fascinated by the human body, and also, I hope it makes me rich and allows me to spend a lot of free time taking care of my family.”

1. Choose 2 of the 5 motivational factors discussed in the book (Satisfaction of needs, Drive reduction, Incentives, Pleasure principle, Optimal level of Arousal). Define the 2 factors and explain how James’s answer is consistent with both factors. Make sure you cite the textbook in the answer using APA style. (6 pts; Minimum 60 words, include word count)
2. Discuss whether James is intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, or both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated. How does his answer show this? (4 pts; Minimum 50 words, include word count)
3. Think about one of the goals you have for your own future and explain what that goal is. Choose 2 of the 5 motivational factors discussed in the book. Define the factors and explain how your goal is consistent with both factors. Make sure you cite the textbook in the answer using APA style. (6 pts; Minimum 60 words, include word count)
4. Discuss whether your behavior is intrinsically motivated, extrinsically motivated, or intrinsically and extrinsically motivated. How does your answer show this? Make sure you define intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and you cite the textbook in your answer using APA style. (6 pts; Minimum 60 words, include word count)

Answer 1

Answer 1:

• According to Davis, Palladino, Christopherson (2013) "The optimum level theory suggests that the body functions best at a specific level of arousal, which varies from individual to another." This theory explains why James is fascinated by the human body. His curiosity acts as a motivating factor and some research suggests that when curiosity drive is high, one tends to spend hours on a particular task.
• According to Ciccarelli and White (2017) "Incentive theories of motivation explain behavior that is a response to external stimulus and its rewarding properties." This explains why James thinks being a Doctor is an appropriate profession because it will make him rich and allow him to spend time with family. These two factors act as incentives in the profession. (123 words)

Answer 2:

• James is motivated both intrinsically and extrinsically.
• His curiosity and interest in the subject are the intrinsic factors because they come from within. The act itself is rewarding and satisfying for him.
• The extrinsic factor would me the money that he would make through this profession and the free time that he will get, which he can spend with his family. Both these factors are external to him and not specifically come from within. Yet, as an external stimulus, they motivate him to pursue the career. (86 words)

Answer 3:

• My goal is to become an industrial psychologist. I don't like working in an office but I know that Industrial and Organizational psychologists make a good amount of money. This way I can support my further studies in music and build my own studio.
• My motivation is best explained by the incentive approach. According to Ciccarelli and White (2017) "Incentive theories of motivation explain behavior that is a response to external stimulus and its rewarding properties." " Money" acts as the incentive to pursue my career in this field and support my other needs.
• It also highlights the hedonistic approach of motivation, which puts light on the pleasure principle that motivates us to act in a particular way. In my case, music and setting up my own studio is the factor that gives me pleasure, which can only come from working as an Industrial Psychologist. (145 words)

Answer 4:

• According to Ciccarelli and White (2017), "Extrinsic Motivation is a type of motivation in which a person performs an action because it leads to an outcome that is separate from or external to the person."
• On the other hand, "Intrinsic motivation is a type of motivation in which a person performs an action because the act itself is rewarding or satisfying in some internal manner."
• In my case, it is primarily extrinsic motivation, which will later help me to fulfill my intrinsic motivators. (83 words)

References:

Ciccarelli, Saundra., White, Noland. (2017). Psychology. 5th edition. Pearson.

Davis, Stephan., Palladino, Joseph., Christopherson, Kimberley. (2013). Psychology Pearson. pp 255-258