Which theory explains motivation as a response to external rewards?

Which theory explains motivation as a response to external rewards?

• A. Drives
• B. Optimum Arousal Theory
• C. Incentive Theory
• D. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Answer: (C)

External rewards pull behavior, which is the idea behind Incentive Theory. This perspective says that motivation comes from outside the person—rewards like money, praise, grades, or tokens act as incentives that attract us to perform certain actions. The focus is on the consequences that follow a behavior and how those consequences reinforce or discourage it, rather than on internal states alone. This differs from Drives theory, which explains motivation as arising from internal physiological needs that create bodily states (drives) we want to reduce by acting. Optimum Arousal Theory centers on seeking an ideal level of stimulation and arousal, so behavior is driven by maintaining that balance rather than by external rewards. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs argues that motivation stems from a progression of internal needs—from basic physiological needs up to self-actualization—rather than primarily from external incentives.

External rewards pull behavior, which is the idea behind Incentive Theory. This perspective says that motivation comes from outside the person—rewards like money, praise, grades, or tokens act as incentives that attract us to perform certain actions. The focus is on the consequences that follow a behavior and how those consequences reinforce or discourage it, rather than on internal states alone.

This differs from Drives theory, which explains motivation as arising from internal physiological needs that create bodily states (drives) we want to reduce by acting. Optimum Arousal Theory centers on seeking an ideal level of stimulation and arousal, so behavior is driven by maintaining that balance rather than by external rewards. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs argues that motivation stems from a progression of internal needs—from basic physiological needs up to self-actualization—rather than primarily from external incentives.