Question

What are the differences instinct, drive, incentive, arousal, and humanistic?

Answer 1

Instinct theory suggests that all the organisms are born with certain innate tendencies that help them survive. So, all the behaviors of the organisms are the result of these innate tendencies and not learning or environment.

Drive theory suggests that all the organisms are born with certain needs and when these needs are satisfied the organism reaches homeostasis or else tension.

Incentive theory of motivation suggests two dimensions, one internal and the other external. At times, we are driven by our internal desires and wishes and at other times we act according to the external rewards and incentives.

Arousal theory proposes that people with high arousal will be satisfied only when that arousal is accomplished and they would go to any extent in order to achieve it. Others who have less arousal level will be satisfied with whatever they get and will not take big risks in their lives.

Humanistic theory of motivation is built on different needs in a hierarchical ladder. When a need is fulfilled humans move to the next level of needs and if a level is not successfully completed it might affect the next level. Maslow’s Need Hierarchy is a very good example of it.