Drive theory is a motivational framework that proposes that physiological needs create internal states of tension (drives), and these drives energize and direct behavior toward reducing the need and restoring a balanced, stable state (homeostasis). In essence, when a need arises (like hunger or thirst), it produces a drive that motivates actions aimed at satisfying that need, and successful drive reduction reinforces the behavior that achieved it. Key points
- Core idea: Unmet physiological needs generate drives that push behavior to restore homeostasis.
- Components:
- Primary drives: innate biological needs (hunger, thirst, temperature regulation).
* Secondary drives: learned needs reinforced through association with primary drives (money, grades, social approval).
- Mechanism: The strength of motivation is linked to the intensity of the drive and the effectiveness of the response in reducing that drive.
- Historical note: Hull and Spence popularized drive theory in the mid-20th century as a general explanation for motivated behavior.
If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific domain (e.g., education, consumer behavior, animal learning) or contrast drive theory with related theories like incentive-mal reinforcement or optimal arousal models.