Motivation and Emotion: Incentive Theory of Motivation

Incentive theories state that we are motivated by positive goals. This motivation can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Think back to a time when you were able to achieve an important goal in your life. Then, ask a friend or family member to tell you about a time when he or she achieved an important goal.

Write an essay describing your achievement of a goal and your friend’s or family member’s achievement of a goal using motivational theory of incentives or Yerkes-Dodson law. How were the experiences similar or different? Explain any similarities or differences in the experiences using research from motivational theory.