Introduction
Abraham Maslow proposed this theory in his paper in 1943. The Maslow’s theory describes the hierarchy of need. The theory classifies the needs in a pyramid where the most basic needs are at the bottom. Abraham Maslow uses various terms such as; belongingness, physiological, esteem, self-transcendence, love and self- actualization, in describing the array through which human motivation pass through. (Slipp, 1982) This article describes the Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, the concepts of reduction and incentives, and also illustrates how intrinsic and extrinsic motives affect the process of learning.
Theory of drive reduction and Theory of Incentives
The concept of drive reduction was formulated by Clark Hill. The theory considers the fact that the body actively works to maintain a particular state of balance. This is known as homeostasis. This concept proposes that behavior is one of the methods through which organisms maintain this particular balance. The theory stipulates that all sorts of motivation come about from the biological needs that we pose. The drive reduction concept uses drive to refer to a state or condition of tension. This state of tension is brought by both biological and physiological needs. Examples of drives are; anger, thirst and even need for warmth. The significance of a drive is to create an unwanted state or unpleasant state. (Jex.2008) The state should, therefore, be reduced or changed. This concept alleges that the reduction of drive acts as reinforcement for the behavior. The reinforcement will increase the probability of the same behavior happening again in case the need arises again.
The concept of incentives proposes that the human being tend to be pulled towards those behaviors that will result in positive incentives. The same concept continues to argue that human beings are pushed away from those behaviors that would result in negative incentives. The theory states that people’s behaviors are motivated by pull incentives. This theory opposes the stand by the drive reduction theory that we are pushed into actions by internal tensions. The incentives theory instead claims that we are pulled into actions by the existing outside incentives. Example of an incentive can be good grades. Good grade is a reward for hard work in class. The reward of good grades can motivate students to work hard. In other words, they are pulled into working hard by good grades. (Maslow, 2013) Money is also another example of incentives. Money can make people perform certain activities that they would otherwise not have performed.
The Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
The Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is represented by a pyramid. The most fundamental levels of needs are placed at the bottom, physiological needs. This is followed by safety then Love/belonging followed by Esteem and lastly self-actualization at the top.
- Physiological needs
These are the physical requirements that human beings need for survival. The human body cannot work or function appropriately without these needs. The physiological needs are very essential and, therefore, should be met first. Water for drinking and food are some of the metabolic requirements for survival of human beings and other animals. Protection from certain elements is provided through clothing and shelter. (Jex.2008) The Physiological needs can be defined as those needs that human beings or animals cannot do without.
- Safety
After the physical needs are fully satisfied, the safety needs of an individual will take precedence and dictate the behavior of the individual.Lack of physical safety may result into various occurrences such as natural disasters, civil wars, child abuse, family disputes or violence. People will experience post-traumatic stress. Lack of economic safety can result to certain unwanted occurrences such as unemployment and economic crisis. The safety level of need is mostly found in children since they are the ones who need high levels of protection. There are many examples of safety needs. People, for example, need to have financial security, health and wellbeing security and personal security among others. The safety needs develops themselves in different ways. (Maslow, 2013) One of the ways is through the safety needs can develop through a preference for job security.
- Love and Belonging
This level of need is an interpersonal one. It constitutes the feeling of belonging. This level of need is mostly common during childhood. This level of need is brought about by features such as stunning, hospitality, ostracism and neglect among others. These features can affect an individual’s ability form, develop and maintain emotionally strong relations. These relationships include friendship, family and intimacy. The Maslow theory suggests that it is essential for people to think that they are accepted among social groups regardless of the size of the groups. These social groups include; coworkers, sports teams, professional organizations, family members, intimate partners and gangs among others. Human beings are susceptible to loneliness when the element of love or belonging is not existing. (Slipp, 1982) The strength of peer pressure determines the impact of the need for love and belonging.
- Esteem
This is the desire to feel respected. For one to be respected he/she must have self-esteem and self-respect. (Jex.2008)This is the need by human being to be valued by others. Human beings engage in various acts so as to be recognized.
- Self-Actualization
This is the top most need in the hierarchy. It describes what full potential of a person is and the realization of this full potential. This is a need by people to accomplish all those things that they can accomplish. (Slipp, 1982) An example of this need is the need by certain people to be the best and ideal parent. Desires can be expressed in different ways for example; athletically, in pictures, in paintings, etc.
Impact of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motives in the process of learning
Intrinsic and extrinsic motives work together with attribution, self-determination and self-efficiency theory to impact learning process. Intrinsic motivation is where one has self-desire to seek out new challenges so as to gain knowledge. The motive is driven by enjoyment of the said challenge or task. In the learning process intrinsic motivation has an impact on how students engage in tasks. The students can willingly engage in activities that are aimed at improving their skills.
Extrinsic motivation comes from the external influences; it is where people perform a certain task to obtain desired results. This type of motive comes in handy in the learning process where students are motivated top work so as to get good grades. Students can also be motivated to work hard due to the fear of punishment from teachers. Competition is also a perfect example of extrinsic motive. It enables learners to work extra hard so as to be the best. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motives positively impact the learning process.
Reference
Abraham H. Maslow. (2013) A theory of Human Motivation. Rough Draft Printing.
Samuel Slipp. (1982) Curative Factors in Dynamic Psychology. Tata McGraw-Hill Education.
Steve M. Jex. Thomas W. Britt, (2008)Organizational Psychology: A Scientist- Practitioner Approach, WILEY Publishers.
