Reference no: EM133681800

It is sometimes difficult to conceptualize the differences among the motivational theories described. This exercise will help you distinguish among them by applying them to real-life examples.

Be sure to review the 4 different motivational theories presented in the chapter (instinct theory, drive theory, incentive theory, and arousal theory) and discussed in lecture. For your initial discussion post, pick one motivated behavior (it could be anything!) and hypothesize what might have prompted that behavior from the perspective of each of the four motivational theories. Note: sometimes instinct theory may be tricky or even non-applicable, so just try your best.

To help you with this exercise, I have provided an example below:

Behavior I picked: Before class, I bought a candy bar from the vending machine.

What might have prompted the behavior (from the perspective of):

• Instinct theory: Everyone is biologically programmed to like sweet-tasting foods, such as candy.
• Drive theory: I bought the candy bar because I had been exercising and my body was low on calories.
• Incentive theory: I didn't think I was hungry until I saw all those candy bars in the machine.
• Arousal theory: I bought the candy bar because chocolate and sugar give me a "buzz.

Come up with one motivated behavior and hypothesize what might have prompted that behavior from the perspective of each of the four motivational theories; post this as your initial discussion post (see example above).