Motivation incentive theory

                             Motivation incentive theory

 

 

 What are the forces behind our actions? Do you get up and go to the gym every day because you know it's good for you, or is it because of some sort of external reward? There are many reasons why we do things. Sometimes we are motivated to act because of internal desires and desires, but sometimes our behaviors are dictated by the desire for external rewards.

According to a theory of human motivation, our actions are often inspired by the desire to gain external reinforcement. Incentive theory is one of the main theories of motivation and suggests that behavior is motivated by a desire for reinforcement or incentive.
Motivation incentive theory
Illustration of JR Bee, Verywell
Development of incentive theory to explain human behavior

Incentive theory began to emerge in the 1940s and 1950s, relying on earlier drive theories established by psychologists such as Clark Hull.

How does this theory explain human behavior exactly? Rather than focusing on more intrinsic forces of motivation, the incentive theory suggests that people are attracted to behaviors that lead to rewards and are dismissed from actions that may have negative consequences.

Two people can act differently in the same situation, depending on the types of incentives available at that time.

You can probably think of many different situations in which your behavior has been directly influenced by the promise of a reward or punishment. Perhaps you have studied to pass an exam in order to get a good grade, run a marathon to be recognized or get a new job position to get a pay raise. All of these actions have been influenced by an incentive to earn something in exchange for your efforts.
How does the theory of incentive work?

Contrary to other theories suggesting that we are driven to act by internal motivations (such as motivation theory, excitation theory, and instinct theory), the theory of incentives suggests that we are trained to act through external incentives.

You can compare the theory of incentive to operant conditioning. Just like in operant conditioning, where behaviors are implemented to reinforce or avoid punishment, the incentive theory states that your actions are aimed at getting rewards.

What kind of reward? Think about the kinds of things that motivate you to study and succeed in school. Good grades are a type of incentive. Gaining the esteem and praise of your teachers and parents could be another. Money is also an excellent example of an external reward that motivates behavior. In many cases, these awards
External reasons can motivate you to do things that you might otherwise avoid, such as housework, work, and other tasks that you might find unpleasant.
Observations on incentive theory:

    Incentives can be used to get people to adopt certain behaviors, but they can also be used to get people to stop doing certain things.
    Incentives become powerful only if the individual gives importance to the reward.
    Rewards must be obtained to be motivating. For example, a student will not be motivated to get the best grade on an exam if the task is so difficult that it is not realistically feasible.

Why some incentives are more motivating than others

Obviously, not all incentives are equal and the rewards you find motivating may not be enough to inspire another person to take action. Physiological, social and cognitive factors can all play a role in motivations that you find motivating.

For example, you are more likely to be motivated by food when you are really hungry than when you are full. A teenager might be motivated to clean his room by the promise of a coveted video game, while another person would find such a game totally unpleasant.

"The value of an incentive can change over time and in different situations," says author Stephen L. Franzoi in his article Psychology: A Discovery Experience. "For example, getting praise from your parents can have positive incentive value in some situations, but not in others.When you are at home, your parents' praise can be a positive incentive. your friends are visiting you out of your way to avoid receiving praise from parents, because your friends may tease you. "