Motivational Theories

Write a 5-page assessment in which you describe the theories of two theorists who focus on motivation and explain how the theories represent an advancement over previous models

Suggested Resources

The following optional resources are provided to support you in completing the assessment or to provide a helpful context. For additional resources, refer to the Research Resources and Supplemental Resources in the left navigation menu of your courseroom.

Capella Resources

Click the links provided to view the following resources:

• What Is Scholarly?

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Capella Multimedia

Click the links provided below to view the following multimedia pieces:

• Human Motivation and Performance Theories | Transcript.

Library Resources

The following e-books or articles from the Capella University Library are linked directly in this course:

• Whiteley, P. (2002). Motivation. Oxford, UK: Capstone Publishing.
• Reiss, S. (2004). Multifaceted nature of intrinsic motivation: The theory of 16 basic desires. Review of General Psychology, 8(3), 179–193.

Assessment Instructions

For this assessment, select two theorists who focus on motivation and write a paper in which you describe their theories and explain how the theories represent an advancement over previous models.

Preparation

First, select two theorists from the lists below. You may select two individuals who focus on the same area of motivation, or you may select two theorists who focus on different areas.

• Area of Motivation: Instinct theories.
• Theorists: Darwin, Freud.

• Area of Motivation: Need or personality theories.
• Theorists: Maslow, Murray, Cattell.

• Area of Motivation: Drive or learning theories.
• Theorists: Hull, Watson, Skinner.

• Area of Motivation: Growth and mastery theories.
• Theorists: Deci and Ryan.

• Area of Motivation: Humanistic theories.
• Theorists: Maslow, Roger.

After you make your selections, research the theories of the two theorists you selected. Keep in mind that your paper must include at least two scholarly sources of supported evidence.

Instructions

Write a paper about the two theories you researched. In your paper, complete the following:

• Describe the theories. Identify the theorist associated with the model, the category (area of motivation) of each theory, and the essential elements that comprise each theory. Assess any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in the theories.
• Explain what differentiates each theory from the other.
• Describe how each theory does or does not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation.
• Place the theories within a historical context by explaining why each theory was an improvement on preceding theories in this area of motivation and behavior.
• Discuss which theory best informs or describes your personal behavior and why. Consider how the theory relates to you and whether it helps explain why you do some of the things you do.

Additional Requirements

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

• Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA sixth edition style and formatting.
• Number of resources: At least 2 scholarly academic resources are included.
• Length of paper: The length is a minimum of 5 typed, double-spaced pages, not including the title page and reference list.
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point font is used.

Motivational Theories Scoring Guide

CRITERIA NON-PERFORMANCE BASIC PROFICIENT DISTINGUISHED Assess any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in a description of two motivational theories.Does not describe two motivational theories. Describes two motivational theories but does not assess any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in them. Assesses any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in a description of two motivational theories. Assesses any problems, conflicts, or unresolved issues in two motivational theories and recommends topics for future research. Explain what differentiates two motivational theories.Does not identify elements that differ between two motivational theories. Identifies but does not explain elements that differ between two motivational theories. Explains what differentiates two motivational theories. Explains what differentiates two motivational theories and illustrates the explanation with examples drawn from professional or personal experience. Describe how two motivational theories do or do not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation.Does not list ways in which two motivational theories do or do not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation. Lists ways in which two motivational theories do or do not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation, but does not include key elements. Describes how two motivational theories do or do not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation. Integrates research and examples into a description of how two motivational theories do or do not address the biological, cognitive, and learned components of motivation. Explain how two motivational theories represent an improved understanding of motivation and behavior over previous models.Does not identify ways in which each of two motivational theories provides an improved understanding of motivation and behavior over previous models. Identifies some ways in which two motivational theories provide an improved understanding of motivation and behavior over previous models, but leaves out key advances. Explains how two motivational theories represent an improved understanding of motivation and behavior over previous models. Compares and contrasts ways in which two motivational theories represent an improved understanding of motivation and behavior over previous models. Discuss how a motivational theory informs or describes personal behavior.Does not list ways in which a motivational theory informs or describes personal behavior. Lists some ways in which a motivational theory informs or describes personal behavior. Discusses how a motivational theory informs or describes personal behavior. Discusses, with examples, how a motivational theory informs or describes personal behavior and describes ways to modify attitudes and behaviors to improve professional performance. Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of professional communities.Does not communicate in a manner that is scholarly and professional. Communicates in a manner that is scholarly and professional but is not consistent with expectations for members of professional communities. Communicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of professional communities. Communicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of professional communities, with written communication that is free of errors that detract from the overall message. Apply proper APA formatting and style.Does not apply proper APA formatting and style. Uses adequate written communication but includes some APA errors and inconsistencies. Applies proper APA formatting and style. Applies scholarly writing skills and uses proper APA formatting and style throughout the assessment.