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MOTIVATION IN
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
1. INTRODUCTION:
Motivation, forces acting either on or within a person to initiate behavior. The word is
derived from the Latin term motivus (“a moving cause”), which suggests the activating
properties of the processes involved in psychological motivation.
“Motivation can be defined as the internal or external factors that drive and energize individuals
to take action, pursue goals, and maintain persistence in the face of challenges. It involves the
psychological processes that stimulate and direct behavior towards achieving desired
outcomes.”1
Psychologists study motivational forces to help explain observed changes in behavior that
occur in an individual. Thus, for example, the observation that a person is increasingly likely
to open the refrigerator door to look for food as the number of hours since the last meal
increases can be understood by invoking the concept of motivation. As the above example
suggests, motivation is not typically measured directly but rather inferred as the result of
behavioral changes in reaction to internal or external stimuli. It is also important to understand
that motivation is primarily a performance variable. That is, the effects of changes in
motivation are often temporary. An individual, highly motivated to perform a particular task
because of a motivational change, may later show little interest for that task as a result of further
change in motivation.
Motives have also sometimes been
classified into “pushes” and “pulls.” Push
motives concern internal changes that
have the effect of triggering specific
motive states. Pull motives represent
external goals that influence one’s
behavior toward them. Most motivational
situations are in reality a combination of
push and pull conditions. For example,
hunger, in part, may be signaled by
internal changes in blood glucose or fat
stores, but motivation to eat is also heavily influenced by what foods are available. Some foods
are more desirable than others and exert an influence on our behavior toward them. Behavior
is, thus, often a complex blend of internal pushes and external pulls.
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2. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The concept of motivation has been explored by various psychologists throughout history.
While it is difficult to attribute the exact origin of motivation in psychology to a single
individual, several influential psychologists have made significant contributions to the
understanding of motivation.
One of the early pioneers in the field of motivation was Sigmund Freud, who developed
psychoanalytic theory and emphasized the role of unconscious drives and desires in human
behavior. His work laid the foundation for understanding the unconscious motivations that
influence human actions.
Another influential figure in the study of motivation was Abraham Maslow. Maslow proposed
a hierarchy of needs, known as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which suggests that individuals
are motivated by a series of innate needs that must be satisfied in a hierarchical order.
In the mid-20th century, B.F. Skinner, an influential behaviorist, explored the role of rewards
and reinforcement in motivating behavior. His work focused on the environmental factors that
influence and shape behavior, highlighting the significance of external stimuli in motivating
individuals.
Additionally, Edward Deci and Richard Ryan's self-determination theory, developed in the
1980s, brought attention to intrinsic motivation and the importance of autonomy, competence,
and relatedness in driving behavior.
3. DIFFERENT DEFINATIONS:
"Motivation encompasses the processes that activate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented
behavior." (Reeve, 2018, p. 5). ”2
"Motivation refers to the internal processes that initiate, sustain, and direct behavior
towards achieving specific goals." (Ryan & Deci, 2017, p. 2). ”3
"Motivation can be understood as a state of readiness or eagerness to engage in activities
aimed at achieving certain goals." (Vallerand, R. J., 2012, p. 19). ”4
"Motivation encompasses the internal and external factors that drive individuals to initiate,
sustain, and direct their behavior towards the attainment of desired outcomes." (Latham, G. P.,
2012, p. 3). ”5
"Motivation is the inner drive that compels individuals to take action and exert effort
towards achieving their goals or satisfying their needs." (Kanfer, R., 1990, p. 7).”6
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4. IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATION:
“The importance of motivation can be highlighted in various aspects of life, including
personal growth, academic achievement, career success, and overall well-being. Motivation
serves as a driving force that propels individuals towards setting and achieving their goals. It
plays a vital role in:
Goal Attainment: Motivation provides individuals with the necessary energy, focus, and
determination to pursue and achieve their goals. It helps individuals overcome obstacles, persist
through challenges, and stay committed to their objectives.
Performance Enhancement: Motivation significantly impacts performance outcomes in
various domains. It boosts productivity, improves task performance, and promotes excellence
by encouraging individuals to put forth their best efforts.
Engagement and Enjoyment: Motivation fosters active engagement and enjoyment in tasks
and activities. When individuals are motivated, they are more likely to be fully engaged,
attentive, and absorbed in their pursuits, leading to a deeper level of involvement and
satisfaction.
Personal Growth and Development: Motivation drives individuals to seek continuous growth
and development. It encourages individuals to acquire new knowledge, develop skills, and
explore new opportunities, facilitating personal and professional advancement.
Resilience and Persistence: Motivation plays a crucial role in building resilience and
promoting perseverance. It helps individuals bounce back from setbacks, learn from failures,
and maintain a positive outlook, enabling them to overcome challenges and keep moving
forward.”7
5. PROCESS OF GROWTH:
The process of motivational growth refers to the steps and factors involved in fostering and
nurturing motivation over time, leading to personal development and growth. It entails
cultivating intrinsic motivation, setting meaningful goals, building self-efficacy, and fostering
a growth mindset.
“The process of motivational growth typically involves the following elements:
Understanding Intrinsic Motivation:
Recognizing the importance of internal drives, such as personal interests, passions, and
values, in fueling motivation. Developing a sense of autonomy and allowing individuals to
pursue activities aligned with their intrinsic motivations.
Setting Meaningful Goals:
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Establishing clear and meaningful goals that align with personal values and aspirations.
Setting goals that are challenging yet attainable, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
Building Self-Efficacy:
Developing a belief in one's own abilities and competence to successfully accomplish
tasks and overcome obstacles. Cultivating self-confidence and taking steps to strengthen skills
and knowledge in areas of interest.
Cultivating a Growth Mindset:
Adopting a growth mindset, which involves believing in the ability to learn, improve,
and develop through effort and perseverance. Embracing challenges, viewing setbacks as
opportunities for learning and growth, and seeking continuous improvement.
Maintaining Momentum and Reflection:
Sustaining motivation by regularly monitoring progress, celebrating achievements, and
reflecting on lessons learned. Adjusting goals and strategies as needed, and staying committed
to personal growth and development.
Through the process of motivational growth, individuals can enhance their intrinsic
motivation, foster a growth mindset, and continuously pursue personal development and
growth in various areas of their lives.”8
6. TYPES OF MOTIVATION:
There are various types of motivation that individuals can experience, each with its own
characteristics and influences on behavior.
Following are some types of Motivation:
Intrinsic Motivation:
Intrinsic motivation refers to the inner desire and enjoyment that individuals experience
when engaging in activities for their inherent satisfaction or personal interest. It involves
pursuing activities for the sake of enjoyment, curiosity, or personal fulfillment (Ryan & Deci,
2017).
Extrinsic Motivation:
Extrinsic motivation involves engaging in activities to obtain external rewards or to
avoid punishment. It arises from external factors, such as rewards, recognition, or social
approval. Extrinsic motivation can be effective in driving behavior, but it may not sustain long-
term engagement or satisfaction (Pink, 2009).
Achievement Motivation:
Achievement motivation refers to the drive to attain success, accomplish goals, and
demonstrate competence. Individuals with high achievement motivation are often motivated
by personal accomplishments, challenges, and the pursuit of excellence (McClelland, 1961).
Social Motivation:
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Social motivation involves being driven by the desire for social connections,
belongingness, and affiliation. It encompasses the need for positive social interactions,
approval, and support from others (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).
7. IMPORTANCE OF MOTIVATION IN EDUCATION:
“The importance of motivation in education cannot be overstated. Motivation plays a
crucial role in enhancing students' learning experiences, academic performance, and overall
success in education. Here are a few key points highlighting the importance of motivation in
education:
Increased Engagement:
Motivation fuels students' interest and engagement in learning activities. When students
are motivated, they actively participate, ask questions, and seek out knowledge, leading to a
deeper understanding of the subject matter.
Improved Persistence:
Motivation helps students develop a sense of determination and resilience. It enables
them to overcome obstacles, persevere through challenges, and stay committed to their
educational goals, even when faced with difficulties.
Enhanced Performance:
Motivated students are more likely to set high goals, put in the necessary effort, and
strive for excellence. They are driven to achieve academic success and perform at their best,
leading to improved academic performance.
Positive Attitude:
Motivation fosters a positive attitude towards learning. Students who are motivated
approach their studies with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a growth mindset, which contributes to
a positive learning environment and increased enjoyment of the educational process.
Increased Self-confidence:
Motivation empowers students and enhances their self-confidence. When students feel
motivated, they believe in their abilities, take risks, and are willing to challenge themselves
academically, leading to personal growth and development.”9
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8. CONCLUSIONS:
In conclusion, motivation is a fundamental aspect of human behavior and plays a significant
role in various aspects of life. It serves as a driving force that energizes, directs, and sustains
behavior towards the attainment of goals. The importance of motivation lies in its ability to
enhance goal attainment, improve performance, foster engagement and enjoyment, promote
personal growth and development, and cultivate resilience and persistence.
Motivation is crucial in academic settings, career paths, personal aspirations, and overall well-
being. Understanding the underlying factors that drive motivation, such as intrinsic motivation,
autonomy, and purpose, can help individuals unlock their potential and achieve higher levels
of success and fulfillment.
Through the exploration of motivational theories, research findings, and practical strategies,
individuals can harness the power of motivation to set meaningful goals, overcome challenges,
and strive for excellence. Cultivating and sustaining motivation is a continuous process that
involves self-reflection, goal setting, and creating an environment that supports intrinsic
motivation and personal growth.
Overall, motivation is a powerful force that empowers individuals to take action, pursue their
passions, and achieve their aspirations. By harnessing the power of motivation, individuals can
unlock their full potential and lead a more fulfilling and successful life.
THE END
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9. REFERENCES:
1. Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead
Books.
2. Reeve, J. (2018). Understanding motivation and emotion (7th ed.). Wiley.
3. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs
in motivation, development, and wellness. The Guilford Press.
4. Vallerand, R. J. (2012). The Psychology of Passion: A Dualistic Model. Oxford University
Press.
5. Latham, G. P. (2012). Work Motivation: History, Theory, Research, and Practice. Sage
Publications.
6. Kanfer, R. (1990). Motivation theory and industrial and organizational psychology.
7. Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead
Books.
8. Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead
Books.
9. Brophy, J. E. (2010). Motivating Students to Learn. Routledge.
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