Theories of Motivation in education

There are numerous theories of motivation. Some of these are briefly stated as follows:

1. Hedonistic Theory

Those who subscribe to this theory are of the view that human actions are mainly triggered by a desire for pleasure and the avoidance of pain. In other words, people engage in activities for no other reason than the pleasure associated with them.

2. Physiological Equilibrium Theory

This theory holds that human beings are supposedly constituted by a balanced state of physiology. This balanced state is called "Homeostasis". Ideally, as long as this state of equilibrium is maintained, it seems there will be no need for human activity. However, because this equilibrium is inevitably distorted presumably from birth, human activity begins with the motivating force being the desire to recapture the physiological equilibrium. Thus, hunger, thirst, etc., signify a disequilibrium that leads to need, drive and consequently activities to satisfy them.

3. Drive Reduction Theory

This theory postulates that human beings act in order to reduce drive. A drive is a state of tension which occurs whenever a need (want or deficiency) exists. The need could be physiological or social. The motivational force wherever a drive exists is reduction of the accompanying tension, which is usually unbearable.

4. Cybernetic Theory

This theory sees motivation as being intrinsically attached to human activity. The theory claims that motivational force flows from within the individual rather than being a result of pursuing outside incentives. Forces such as curiosity, competence, and reprocity are three forms of intrinsic motivation.

5. Conditioning Theory

This theory sees motivation purely in terms of antecedent factors or consequence of behaviour. Human- beings act in anticipating positive consequences of their actions.

6. Maslow's Growth Theory

This theory views motivation as a growth process moving from a lower to higher level. All human activities are motivated by the desire to pass through what he calls the hierarchy of motives. Human beings act to satisfy hierarchy of needs. The needs hierarchy is as follows.