Motivation Theories

Research papers that overview motivation theories can focus on any one theorist or theory that you need covered. For custom research on psychology topics, please use Paper Masters' as the source for all things academic.

For the research paper select any two of the motivation theories or models studied for psychology research papers. Include in the essay the following theorists:

1. Weiner
2. Keller
3. Maslow
4. Wlodkowski

Write a research paper comparing and contrasting the two theories or models. This is a research paper on motivation theories. The research paper will discuss several theorists. The phenomenon of motivation refers to the process by which people are driven to engage in certain behaviors. Motivational theories have been studied at length as they pertain to work performance. However, the relationship between performance and satisfaction is unclear. In exploring this relationship and whether a causal factor exists, this paper will summarize several motivation theories. It will also explore a leader's ability to motivate. Finally, it will explain ways to raise morale and increase productivity

Most researchers agree on the broad definition that motivation energizes, directs, and sustains behavior. To be motivated, a person must initiate activity or feel compelled to engage in a behavior. Without the initial energizing factor, tasks would not be accomplished. Next, people must be motivated to not only initiate behavior, but to work toward a specific goal. They must be motivated in a particular direction. Last, motivation must be strong enough for the behavior to sustain long enough to reach the goal.

Different things motivate different people, but inspiration is critical if we are going to discover what we are passionate about." The more passionate you are about a goal the more you are likely to have the stamina to achieve it. There are certain criteria that make a achieving a certain goal more obtainable. Stephen Covey suggests that a goal is actually created twice. Once is in the mind and then it is created in the physical world. Covey goes on to suggest that after a goal is created in the mind that it should be written in a form of a statement. This statement then becomes the blueprint of long term goals. The motivation to change and improve one's self comes from both internal and external; forces. A person's culture and environment has a lot to do with what goals one may pick and what their motivators to improve themselves and their lives. This is also attached to their self esteem, which again is developed as a part of a person's culture and upbringing.