Many researchers have sought to understandwhat motivates human behavior.
One theory that is more aligned with the former school of thought is the instinct theory of motivation.
Here we explore what instinct theory is and how it uses evolutionary biology to explain our motivational levels.
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Instinct theory is just one of many theories of motivation.
These biologically determined, innate patterns of behavior are called instincts, and our instincts ultimately drive our actions.
In humans, instinctive behaviors often appear in the form of reflexes, which are present in early childhood.
Other newborn reflexes include those related to stepping, grasping, and being startled (the Moro reflex).
These types of behaviors occur automatically as opposed to being the result of learning or experience.
They represent the nature side ofthe nature vs. nurture debate.
A number of instinctive reactions or reflexes that exist in infancy are still present in adulthood.
More specifically, we engage in certain behaviors because they aid in our physical survival.
Birds that migrate are a primary example.
Humans also have basic survival instincts that motivate our behaviors.
The presence and/or absence of certain primitive reflexes can be a sign ofdevelopmental issues in children.
But what qualifies as an instinct?
“In other words, it must occur naturally in all organisms of that species.
Animals have inherent tendencies to spontaneously engage in particular patterns of behavior.
These instincts are just as powerful in humans.
In total, McDougall outlined 18 different natural human instincts.
PsychologistWilliam Jamesidentified his own set of instincts that he believed were essential for survival.
These included such things as fear, anger, love, shame, and cleanliness.
Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud outlined a broader picture of motivation.
Freud referred to these aslife and death instincts.
These include:
In actuality, none of these theoriesincluding instinct theorycan fully explain motivation.
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