Drive-reduction Theory And Motivation

Motivation is an expression that is intrinsically linked to the factors which energize and drive human behavior. Motivation can be approached in many ways. One approach is known as the drive reduction hypothesis. The theory says if a person is unable to meet some basic biological requirements, such as food and water, then he or she will feel compelled to get them. A drive can also be defined as a state of arousal or energy that is sufficient to meet a need. Two types of drive exist:

Primary drive is a primary driving force that is related to biological needs.

Secondary needs are the ones that we gain through our prior experience and education. Homeostasis is the root of primary motivations. It helps to maintain a secure equilibrium in our body. Clarke Hull was the first to develop this theory. Kenneth Spence followed suit after a few years. Hull created this theory first. He developed his theory based on Homeostasis which is a biological phenomenon that helps maintain a steady state in our bodies. Our body regulates our temperature to ensure that we are not too hot nor cold. Hull suggested that motivation comes from these biological needs.

Hull introduced the concept of drive to bridge arousal activity and biological need. Sleep, Hursts, Shelter, Safety, and all other drives can be categorized as drives. Animals and humans always find a way of satisfying these biological needs to reduce this state. We eat when we are hungry. We drink plenty of water.

We drink water whenever we feel thirsty. When it gets cold, we increase the temperature. Hull stated that animals and humans will continue to use this method of reducing these drives.

This theory of drive reduction is a clear indication that all living organisms are motivated by it. The human being will always find a solution to their problems, regardless of whether it is primary or second. The world is more competitive today and people are more focused on making money and improving their lifestyle. But this secondary drive leads to them being more ambitious. With this increase in illegal activities, it is not surprising that they are being committed at more workplaces. Here is another example. We can say that after running a marathon we feel our organs are exhausted. In order to compensate for that, we can drink an energy drink or some water.