What is drive-reduction theory?

What is drive-reduction theory?

• A. Motivation arises from social rewards only.
• B. Motivation is driven by cognitive dissonance.
• C. Motivation arises from external incentives and internal states simultaneously but not homeostasis.
• D. Motivation arises from the desire to reduce physiological needs and maintain homeostasis.

Answer: (D)

Drive-reduction theory proposes that motivation starts with internal physiological needs that create a drive state, which pushes behavior aimed at reducing that drive and restoring balance in the body (homeostasis). For example, a drop in blood glucose or fluid loss creates hunger or thirst, prompting actions to eat or drink. Once the need is satisfied, the drive diminishes, and activity slows. This framework centers on maintaining internal stability, explaining why we’re motivated to fulfill basic bodily needs. That description aligns with the idea that motivation arises from the desire to reduce physiological needs and maintain homeostasis. Other views focus on things like social rewards or cognitive dissonance, or suggest motivation results from external incentives plus internal states without emphasizing homeostasis, which is not the core message of this theory.

Drive-reduction theory proposes that motivation starts with internal physiological needs that create a drive state, which pushes behavior aimed at reducing that drive and restoring balance in the body (homeostasis). For example, a drop in blood glucose or fluid loss creates hunger or thirst, prompting actions to eat or drink. Once the need is satisfied, the drive diminishes, and activity slows. This framework centers on maintaining internal stability, explaining why we’re motivated to fulfill basic bodily needs.

That description aligns with the idea that motivation arises from the desire to reduce physiological needs and maintain homeostasis. Other views focus on things like social rewards or cognitive dissonance, or suggest motivation results from external incentives plus internal states without emphasizing homeostasis, which is not the core message of this theory.