5.3 Behavioral Theory of Motivation
Questions to consider:
- What role do rewards and incentives play in motivating people?
The behavioral theory of motivation states that we are motivated by the consequences of our behaviors. If our actions lead to a positive consequence, then we are likely to continue the behavior so that we can continue to experience the reward. On the other hand, if our behavior leads to a negative outcome, sometimes called a punishment, then we are likely to stop that behavior to avoid any future negative consequences.
As a student, you may choose to study regularly for a difficult class because you want the reward of a good grade and the ability to continue on with your studies to reach your dream career. You may also want to make your family proud. By not studying, you are likely to experience negative consequences such as having to spend time and money retaking the class and disappoint your family. According to B. F. Skinner, rewards work because they reinforce positive behaviors. Also, when we have positive outcomes, we are likely to have positive emotions around the behavior which becomes another motivation to continue the positive behavior.
Case scenario
Meet John, a 20-year-old community college student who is pursuing an associate degree in computer science. John is a talented student with a passion for technology, but he often struggles to stay motivated and focused on his studies.
John spends a lot of time playing video games and hanging out with friends. This has led to him falling behind in his coursework and he is at risk of failing the class.
Since John is experiencing negative consequences to his behaviors, he decides to implement a behavioral motivation strategy and sets some goals for himself. He decides to complete all his coursework for the day before playing video games or hanging out with his friends. He also sets the goal of earning a B in the class.
Video games and spending time with friends have now become rewards for John.
As John starts to see progress towards his goals and experiences the rewards of his hard work, he becomes more motivated and engaged in his studies. He also feels more confident in his abilities and is proud of himself for taking control of his motivation and achieving success.
Quick Quiz 5.3
- How do positive and negative consequences impact our behavior and motivation?