Question

Jackson had a huge breakfast this morning and is still focling stuffed when he arrives at work. However, one of his colleagues has brought some delicious- looking donuts to the morning staff meeting and Jackson just can't resist. Although he feels full, he eats three donuts. His behavior is inconsistent with: A. incentive theories of motivation. B. drive theories of motivation. C. evolutionary theories of motivation. D. the Cannon-Bard theory of motivation.

Short answer

Answer: Drive theories of motivation.

Step-by-step solution

Incentive Theory

Incentive Theory states that behavior is motivated by an individual's desire for external rewards or incentives. In this case, Jackson being motivated to eat the donuts due to their delicious appearance and the social situation can be consistent with incentive theory.

Drive Theory

Drive Theory suggests that people are motivated to act in order to reduce an uncomfortable internal state caused by unmet needs, such as hunger or thirst. This theory isn't consistent with Jackson's behavior, since he already feels full and doesn't have an unmet hunger need. Thus, this theory contradicts the scenario given.

Evolutionary Theory

Evolutionary Theory of motivation argues that human behaviors are motivated by a desire to enhance the survival and reproduction of the individual or their genes. While eating can be seen as an evolutionary drive for survival, the fact that Jackson feels full and still eats the donuts would not necessarily fit within this theory, but it's not directly inconsistent either.

Cannon-Bard Theory

The Cannon-Bard Theory is related to emotion rather than motivation. It suggests that physiological arousal and emotional experience occur simultaneously, but separately. While this theory does not necessarily correlate with the motivation to eat a donut, it doesn't contradict the given scenario. Based on the analysis provided above: The answer is B. Drive theories of motivation.

Key concepts

Incentive Theory of Motivation

In the realm of psychology, the Incentive Theory of Motivation stands out for its focus on external stimuli and the allure they hold as potential rewards.

Picture a gold star given for excellent homework, or even the simple act of praising a child—both are examples of incentives that drive behavior. In this context, incentives work as external motivators encouraging individuals to perform certain actions. This theory brings to light the behavioral patterns of individuals, showing that people are often prompted into action by benefits they anticipate receiving after the fact.

In Jackson's scenario, even though he lacks the internal biological drive of hunger, the tempting sight of donuts serves as an external lure. This is a prime example of the Incentive Theory where the anticipated enjoyment from eating the donuts acts as a powerful motivator despite physiological signals of satiety.

Drive Theory of Motivation

While the Incentive Theory looks outward for motivational cues, the Drive Theory casts its gaze inward, focusing on the physiological needs that govern behavior. Psychologists under this school of thought believe that when an individual’s physiological state falls out of homeostasis—a balanced internal condition—the psychological 'drive' to restore balance kicks in.

Thirst when dehydrated, hunger when in need of nourishment, or the desire for warmth when cold are all intrinsic motivators, pushing individuals towards actions that alleviate uncomfortable internal states. In Jackson’s case, consuming food although he is already satiated contradicts the Drive Theory. His sense of fullness indicates a state of homeostasis, meaning no internal physiological 'drive' exists that would propel him to eat the donuts. His behavior thus exemplifies how action can occur without the prompting of internal drives, diverging from the core assertion of this theory.

Evolutionary Theory of Motivation

The Evolutionary Theory of Motivation presents yet another angle, suggesting that our behaviors are etched into our DNA, honed by millennia of evolution to promote survival and reproduction. This theoretical approach asserts that many human motivations can be traced back to our ancestors’ needs to navigate the perilous journey of evolution successfully.

Eating to store energy for survival, forming social bonds for mutual aid, and engaging in behaviors conducive to reproduction are intrinsic drives with deep evolutionary roots. However, Jackson’s indulgence in donuts, even when not biologically needed, does not neatly fit within this framework. Although eating is fundamentally evolutionary in purpose, modern society presents complexities such as social cues and emotional satisfaction that can also influence eating habits and complicate the implications of this theory in certain contexts.