Motivation and Emotion
Motives are hypothetical states within organisms that activate behavior and propel the organisms toward goals. Motives are not seen directily. Psychologists believe that behavior is predominately caused by motives. Other closely related concepts are: needs, drives, and incentives. Physiological needs must be met in order to survive. For example we must have food, drink, and we need oxygen. Psychological needs are needs for achievement power, self-esteem, social approval, and belonging. Psychological needs differ from physiological needs in two ways. Firstly, psychological needs are not necessarily based on states of deprivation. Secondly, psychological needs may be acquired through experience or learned. Needs are said to give rise to drives. Physiological drives are the psychological counterparts of physiological needs. Drives arouse us to action. Our drive levels tend to increase with the length of time we have been deprived. Psychological needs for approval, achievement, and belonging also give rise to drives. The drives for achievement and power consume the daily lives of many people. An incentive is an object, person, or situation perceived as being capable of satisfying a need or desirable for its own sake. Money food, a sexually attractive person, social approval, and attention can all act as incentives that motivate behavior.