Motivation Theories: Drive, Activation, and Expectancy

Limitations of Drive Theory

The main problem is that, contrary to what Drive Theory suggests, humans often engage in actions that tend to increase, rather than reduce, several drives. For example:

• People often skip sandwiches and allow their appetite to grow to increase their enjoyment of a special dinner.
• Many people watch or read erotic materials to increase sexual arousal, though they do not anticipate immediate sexual gratification.

In view of such evidence, most psychologists consider that Drive Theory itself does not provide a sufficiently broad framework for understanding human motivation.

2. Activation Theory: Finding Optimal Levels

This theory arose when it became clear that sometimes people are looking to increase rather than decrease existing drives.

Activation Theory focuses on our overall level of activation, which is reflected in physiological measures such as heart rate, blood pressure, muscle tension, and brain activity. Activation varies throughout the day, from low levels during sleep to much higher levels when we perform difficult tasks. The theory suggests that we do not seek minimum levels of activation, but rather an optimal activation level – the trigger level that best suits our personal characteristics and the activity we are doing. For example:

• If you are listening to soft music, the optimum would be a rather low level of activation.
• However, if you're competing in a sporting event, a higher level would be more beneficial.

Limitations of Activation Theory

It is often difficult to determine in advance what the optimal level of activation for a task or scenario is. In addition, there are large individual differences in preferred levels of activation. At one extreme are individuals who prefer and seek high levels of activation, while at the other are those who choose the lowest levels.

3. Expectancy Theory: A Cognitive Approach

Why does someone study nursing? Surely it is not to reduce a biological instinct. Rather, it is very likely due to the expectation that it will help achieve important goals such as acquiring useful knowledge, earning a good salary when they start work, or perhaps, gaining status. In short, their conduct