Question

Which theory of motivation is most significantly informed by Darwin's theory of evolution? A. Arousal theory B. Drive reduction theory C. Instinct theory D. Incentive theory

Short answer

C. Instinct theory

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

Determine which theory of motivation is most closely related to Darwin's theory of evolution. Darwin's theory focuses on natural selection and inherited behaviors.

Analyze Each Option

Examine each theory of motivation: Arousal theory, Drive reduction theory, Instinct theory, and Incentive theory.

Arousal Theory

Arousal theory suggests people are motivated to maintain an optimal level of arousal. This is related to physiological needs but not directly connected to evolution.

Drive Reduction Theory

Drive reduction theory proposes that motivation arises from the need to reduce drives (e.g., hunger, thirst). This is related to internal states rather than evolutionary principles.

Instinct Theory

Instinct theory emphasizes that behaviors are driven by innate biological instincts, which align directly with Darwin's idea of inherited behaviors and natural selection.

Incentive Theory

Incentive theory suggests behavior is motivated by external rewards. This theory focuses on external motivations rather than innate biological factors.

Select the Most Relevant Theory

Among the options, Instinct theory is most significantly informed by Darwin’s theory of evolution because it focuses on innate biological instincts.

Key concepts

Darwin's theory of evolution

Darwin's theory of evolution is a foundational concept in biology. It explains how species evolve over generations through natural selection.
Charles Darwin proposed this theory in his seminal work, 'On the Origin of Species'.
According to Darwin, organisms with traits that are advantageous for survival and reproduction are more likely to pass these traits to the next generation.
Over millions of years, this process can lead to significant changes in species.
The idea is simple: those who are better adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
For example, a giraffe with a longer neck can reach higher leaves and is more likely to survive during a drought.
This mechanism ensures the survival of the fittest.

Instinct theory

Instinct theory is one of the key theories of motivation. It posits that much of human behavior is driven by innate, biological instincts.
These instincts are inherited and essential for survival.
Think about how birds know to migrate or how a spider spins a web.
Human beings also have instincts that guide their behavior. For instance, babies automatically suckle, and adults instinctively protect their young.
Instinct theory connects closely with Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Evolution explains how certain behaviors become hardwired into a species, making them instinctive.
For example, the instinct to seek food when hungry or the flight response to danger.
These behaviors have been passed down through generations because they enhance survival.

Natural selection

Natural selection is the process by which traits that enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce are passed on to future generations.
This mechanism is the cornerstone of Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Natural selection works as follows:

• Variation: Individuals within a species show variation in physical and behavioral traits.
• Inheritance: Some traits are heritable and can be passed on to the next generation.
• Survival and reproduction: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce.
• Adaptation: Over time, these advantageous traits become more common in the population.

Natural selection ensures that beneficial traits are preserved in a population, while less advantageous traits diminish.
This process can lead to speciation, where new species emerge from existing ones.

Inherited behaviors

Inherited behaviors are actions or reactions that are passed from one generation to the next through genetic inheritance.
These behaviors are often crucial for survival and reproduction.
Examples of inherited behaviors include the instinctive fear of predators, mating rituals, and feeding behaviors among animals.
In humans, inherited behaviors can include reflex actions such as blinking, as well as complex behaviors like language acquisition.
Darwin's theory of evolution helps us understand how these behaviors are preserved and fine-tuned over many generations.
Certain behaviors that are advantageous for survival become encoded in the genetic material of the species.
This genetic encoding ensures that these behaviors are automatically exhibited by new generations, without the need for learning from scratch.
Inherited behaviors, therefore, play a key role in the survival and evolution of species.