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Motivation theories matter because they explain WHY behaviour is initiated and directed, using different, complementary mechanisms rather than one single explanation. Drive-reduction theory proposes behaviour is motivated by the need to reduce an internal state of tension caused by an unmet biological need, restoring homeostasis (the body's stable internal balance). For example, imagine feeling thirsty after exercise, that internal tension DRIVES you to drink, and drinking reduces the tension and restores balance.

Arousal theory proposes people are motivated to maintain an OPTIMAL level of physiological arousal, neither too bored (under-aroused) nor too anxious (over-aroused). Incentive theory proposes behaviour is PULLED by external rewards, rather than pushed by an internal deficit, e.g. working extra hours specifically for a bonus rather than out of any internal tension. Intrinsic motivation is doing something for its own inherent satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation is doing something for an external reward or to avoid punishment. The overjustification effect is the finding that adding an external reward for an already-enjoyed activity can actually REDUCE a person's intrinsic motivation for it afterwards. Self-determination theory proposes intrinsic motivation depends on three basic psychological needs: autonomy (feeling in control of one's own actions), competence (feeling effective and capable), and relatedness (feeling connected to others). For example, imagine a child who loves drawing for fun, then starts being paid for each drawing, and later draws much less once the payments stop, that drop illustrates the overjustification effect directly. In practice, this means clinicians and educators are cautious about adding external rewards to an already-enjoyed healthy behaviour, since it can undermine the person's own intrinsic motivation to keep doing it.

• Self-determination theory names three basic psychological needs. Which trio does it specify?
• McClelland described three learned needs that shape workplace motivation. Which trio did he propose?
• A trainee describes the phenomenon where offering a reward for an already enjoyable activity reduces later spontaneous engagement with it. What is this effect called?
• Vroom's expectancy theory holds that motivation depends on three multiplied components. What follows if any one of the three is zero?

• Drive-reduction theory, motivated by reducing an internal biological tension, unlike incentive theory, which is motivated by being pulled toward an external reward.
• Intrinsic motivation, doing something for its own inherent satisfaction, whereas extrinsic motivation is doing it for an external reward or to avoid punishment.
• Overjustification effect, an external reward reduces existing intrinsic motivation, rather than simply adding to it, once that reward is later removed.
• Motivation theories, propose a specific mechanism for what drives behaviour, unlike Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which orders motivations into a fixed sequence of levels.

• Those levels belong to a different hierarchical need model.
• Those are physiological drives rather than psychological needs.
• That trio belongs to McClelland's account of needs.
• Those terms belong to Herzberg's two-factor account.
• Those levels belong to a hierarchical need model.

• Name the learning, social or research principle being tested before reading the options.
• Identify the antecedent, behaviour, consequence or cognitive process in the vignette.
• Compare the direction of effect with the nearest competing principle.
• Apply the same rule to a new example to confirm that the answer transfers.