Motivation
and Learning
Description
Motivation
involves a psychological process that pertains to the direction, vigor
and persistence of behavior. Motivation comes from unmet needs that
have created an imbalance or a gap between one's current state and one's
desired state.
Abraham
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs presents human needs as hierarchical, meaning
that one must get past their lower or primary needs before addressing
higher-level, secondary needs. Those who satisfy their basic needs continue
to develop and mature psychologically, while those who do not meet these
needs ultimately suffer serious psychological consequences. Maslow saw
human development as a journey toward personal fulfillment or self-actualization.
Csikszentmihalyi'
Flow Theory indicates that the primary motivation for human actions
is the continual pursuit of happiness. One pursues goals because they
are believed to bring happiness - these goals could be in the form of
recognition, wealth, popularity or power. Csikszentmihalyi acknowledged
that humans have primary needs that must be satisfied, but felt that
humans are strivers as much as they are survivors. He believed that
we are essentially on a quest for some higher state of personal fulfillment,
be that self-actualization or true contentment.
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