Motivation

Motivation comprises processes that initiate, direct, and sustain goal-oriented behavior. It shapes which goals people pursue, how intensely they act, and how long they persist.

Self-determination theory: A theory that distinguishes autonomous motivation from controlled motivation and identifies autonomy, competence, and relatedness as basic psychological needs. It explains how need satisfaction supports more self-directed and persistent action.
Goal: A represented outcome that guides behavior and provides a standard for evaluating progress. Motivation is organized around outcomes that behavior aims to attain or avoid.
Intrinsic motivation: Engagement in an activity because it is inherently interesting or satisfying. It is motivation grounded in the activity itself rather than a separable outcome.
Achievement motivation: The motive to meet standards of excellence, master challenging tasks, or outperform others. It applies motivational processes to striving for competence and accomplishment.
Overjustification effect: A reported reduction in intrinsic interest when an expected external reward is introduced for an already enjoyable activity. It raises the question of when rewards weaken rather than support intrinsic motivation.
Expectancy-value theory: A family of theories in which choices depend on expected success and the value or cost of an outcome. It predicts effort from the perceived likelihood and worth of reaching a goal.
Homeostasis: The regulation of internal conditions within viable ranges despite changing circumstances. Regulatory imbalances can generate needs that prompt corrective behavior.
Extrinsic motivation: Engagement in an activity to obtain a separable outcome or meet an external demand. It contrasts with acting for the activity’s inherent satisfaction.
Motivational interviewing: A collaborative counseling method that strengthens a person’s own reasons and commitment to change. It uses conversation to resolve ambivalence and support self-directed behavior change.
Reward system: A network of brain structures involved in learning from rewards and assigning value to outcomes and cues. Neuroscience examines how reward learning relates to wanting, pleasure, and persistent pursuit.

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