Psychology of Motivation

Objectives

This curricular unit aims to promote a theoretical and practical deepening of the psychology of motivation, highlighting 3 distinct objectives: A) to know the main theories on motivation in psychology, B) to understand the factors involved in the gain and loss of motivation, and C) to apply the knowledge acquired and discussed in class. In objective A, it is intended that the student 1) knows how to define motivation and its main theories and 2) knows the methodologies for studying motivation. In objective B, the aim is for the student to 1) know the endogenous and exogenous factors with an impact on motivation, 2) know factors associated with the gain and loss of dopamine and 3) behaviors that mediate these changes as well as the 4) differences individual. In objective C, the aim is for the student to 1) apply and integrate the knowledge obtained in the previous points, during group work.

Program

I. Theoretical framework

Concept of motivation

 Definition

II. Motivation theories and motivational concepts

Psychoanalytic Theory (Freud)

Drive Theory (Hull)

Field Theory (Lewin)

Needs Theory (Maslow)

Stoicism and motivation

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation (Deci & Ryan)

III. Neuropsychological foundations

Dopamine and dopaminergic pathways

IV. Assessment of motivation

Habits, impulses and plans

Implementation intentions (Gollwitzer)

V. Psychology of motivation: Application contexts

Teaching Methodologies

The discipline is oriented towards learning, discussion and application of practices and concepts related to motivation. Theoretical classes are predominantly expository, with room for reflective moments. The assessment will value the reflective dimension of self-training processes, with mandatory contributions to it: 1) The result of an attendance test and group work.

Bibliography

Baumeister, R. F. (2016). Toward a general theory of motivation: Problems, challenges, opportunities, and the big picture. Motivation and Emotion, 40(1), 1-10.

Ford, M. E. (1996). Motivating humans: Goals, emotions, and personal agency beliefs. Sage Publications.

Gollwitzer PM. 1993. Goal achievement: The role of intentions. European Review of Social Psychology, (4),141-185

Hofmann, W., Friese, M., & Wiers, R. W. (2008). Impulsive versus reflective influences on health behavior: A theoretical framework and empirical review. Health Psychology Review, 2(2), 111-137.

Liu, C., Goel, P., & Kaeser, P. S. (2021). Spatial and temporal scales of dopamine transmission. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 22(6), 345-358.

Reeve, J. (2015). Understanding motivation and emotion (6th edition). Wiley & Sons.

Ryan, R. M. (Ed.) (2012). The Oxford handbook of human motivation. Oxford University.

Sapolsky, R. M. (2017). Behave: The biology of humans at our best and worst. Penguin.

Verplanken, B., & Orbell, S. (2022). Attitudes, habits, and behavior change. Annual Review of Psychology, 73, 327-352.