Memory Essay
Motivation Essay: Ch. 9
Brittney F. Ellington
State Fair Community College
Motivation Essay: Ch. 9
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences between behavioral motivation and achievement motivation; also, to describe a couple motivation theories and relate them back to everyday life. King (2013) describes achievement motivation as the need and want for success. In order to satisfy this need for success, individuals try many different techniques or tactics to reach the successes they desire. Most people with achievement motivation are driven to success by varying external and internal reasons. Motivation is the basic drive of all human actions and it is felt when someone desires to be successful at whatever project or task they are currently working on (King, 2013).
On the other hand, behavioral motivation can be defined as the motivation for a person to feel a certain way about something because that feeling has been ingrained in them (King, 2013). Behavior motivation can range from a baby’s natural instinct to suck on whatever is in their mouth, or even their natural instinct to grasp what is in its palm. In adults an example could be when they are tired, they know they need to sleep. These examples are considered behavioral because of an individual’s instinctual response to a problem. Achievement and behavioral motivation are different because one is self-motivated and the other is intuitive (King 2013).
One theory of motivation is known as Self-Determination Theory. According to King (2013), “there are three basic organismic needs: competence, relatedness and autonomy” (p. 342). They are found in every one of us. Competence is very important when it comes to achievement. Competence is setting a goal you have for yourself, which could be academically. Then, believing you have what it takes to reach that goal (self-efficacy). Lastly, seeing you gained something and can reach those goals and overcome more (mastery), which should motivate you to keep working hard (King, 2013, p. 342). In academic studies I think this theory shows to be true. I use this theory now; an example would be in my Chem II class, I want to get an A on my test, so I know I have to study and stay positive because if I tell myself there is no way I can get an A, then I create self doubt and lower my chances of doing good. The second part of that theory is, when I finally do get an A I know that I can and so I become able to keep those same study patterns and have trust in myself. Sometimes I might actually have too much confidence and belief and actually did not retain enough information from studying and do bad, so with this theory I am able to see when I do fail, how I need to be working harder. The second and third part of the Self-Determination Theory I find to be true to myself too. I find myself constantly wanting to have meaningful conversations and I hate being alone. Also, I hate being told what to do, I enjoy the sense of independence and knowing that I am doing something because I want to do it not because someone else told me to, but I feel this is an area where I should be better and be more willing to listen to others.
Another theory of motivation is Intrinsic Versus Extrinsic Motivation; According to King (2013), “intrinsic motivation is based on internal factors such as curiosity, challenge, and fun” (p. 343). King says extrinsic motivation is demonstrated by using external positive (such as reward) and negative enticements (such as discipline) (2013, p. 343). I believe that I am both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated. For instance, I enjoy playing basketball so that is why I do it because it is fun, I do not do it for popularity. On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is what drives me to want to work hard in school; I know if I do not work hard I may not be eligible for as many scholarships. After realizing that some of my study habits are a result of extrinsic motivation, I think I will challenge myself to become more engaged and more willing because in college, I will need to absorb more knowledge and learn the material for my own joy instead of for scholarships and pleasing parents. This will be very beneficial to me when I am in college and my parents will no longer able to punish me if I do not academically and meet their expectations and I am not trying to get scholarships anymore either.