Motivation Emotion and Behavior

It is sometimes difficult to conceptualize how the different motivational theories are distinct (drive theory, incentive theory, arousal theory, and brain state theory). Neuroscientists use a wide range of approaches to define the nature of consciousness while philosophers have been debating the nature of consciousness for millennia. This exercise will help you approach issues from each of the theoretical approaches introduced in this unit. For this discussion:

• Identify two common behaviors and hypothesize what might have prompted the behaviors from the perspective of each motivational theory (drive theory, incentive theory, arousal theory, and brain state theory).
• Discuss how others (advertisers, parents, managers, and so on) apply these different theories to influence your behavior.