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This analysis will review the basic theories of human motivation from both an innate and a learned perspective. A conclusion will address which, if any, of these theories is the more valid in explaining human motivation psychologically.
Instinct theories basically relate the concept of motivation to our biological or genetic programming. William McDougall’s instinct theory was the most influential motivational theory in the psychology at the beginning of the 20th century. Instinct theory arose out of studies on animal behavior. Mating rituals, territorialism and other aspects of animal behavior were considered to be instinctual, meaning they were unlearned, uniform in expression, and common to all members of a species. Instinctual behaviors are considered automatic and basically inflexible in their expression. We often hear the term instinct associated with maternal behavior. However, this behavior isn’t necessarily innate, automatic or inflexible in its expression. Instinct theories of motivation in part derive from Darwinian evolution theory wherein “He viewed emotions as evolved rather than learned adaptations. Essentially, basic emotions may be viewed as primitive instincts, adaptations to environmental and social contingencies that affected are primate forebear’s and human ancestors. Simple drives and emotions are crude predispositions to react to life events, shaped by our evolutionary heritage but not always adaptive in the modern context” (deCatanzaro 7-8).
When behavior is instinctual it remains independent of social forces because it is not learned. For example, if a species of bird builds its nest in a similar manner, then because of instinct even if a young bird is isolated from the flock it will build its own nest similarly. As with any of the motivation theories we will address today, there are proponents and opponents of motivational theory that emphasizes insti...