Motivational Theories/Memory Acquisition

Researchers have advanced several theories to explain motivation theory since time immemorial. Some of the theories that have gained significant attention and have helped shed more light on motivation include the drive, arousal, brain state and incentive theories. In a nutshell, motivation is what prompts an individual to behave or make individual decisions that have the potential to impact his/her life whether it is getting a glass of water to quench thirst or reading an article to widen a person’s perspective on issues. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of motivational theories and memory acquisition process. 

Memory Acquisition 

This refers to the process through which information is obtained, kept, maintained and later released. Memory acquisition entails three spheres namely; encoding, storage, and acquisition. Encryption is the process through which information is captured in the brain. Retrieval, on the other hand, is the process through which information is obtained from the brain when the need arises. While we might not give much thought to memory, it is a sophisticated process that permits individuals to pick up and remember tremendous amounts of critical data. 

How Information is Processed 

According to psychologists, information processing begins with sensory organs such as the eye, skin, and ear which are tasked with transforming physical stimuli such as touch, pain, and sound waves into electrochemical signals. The logarithms of the brain alter the sensory information obtained. For instance, when viewing a photograph of a black phone on a white background, bottom-up processing compiles data such as color, orientation, borderlines before deciding that the image viewed is that of a black phone. Top-down processing, on the other hand, relies on information from a bottom-up process to hasten the recognition of the phone. For the brain to adequately process data, it must first store the data gathered. There exist numerous types of memory, and they include long-term, working and sensory. The first step in information processing is the encoding stage. There are many types of encoding which are usually unique to each variety of sensory stimuli. Once the data has been stored, it is safeguarded by an electrical signal looping through a series of neurons for a short duration. The data stored is typically released when needed arises. Recalling past happenings entail reconstructing and building past events based on the details the brain opted or deems fit to keep and remember. According to psychologists, the recall process is usually prompted by retrieval cue which triggers the brain to remember past events. 

Drive Theory 

The drive theory, often called the drive reduction theory was advanced by Carl L. Hull and describes increased arousal or desire to attain a particular goal. All human beings have various types of needs which have to be satisfied through one means or another. Typically, internal stimuli prompt individuals to significantly reduce the stimuli by satisfying the arising need(Cherry, 2018). Primary drives play a crucial role in survival and procreation whereas secondary drive needs that are primarily influenced by culture and include the innate desire to keep up with societal standards. For instance, when someone is hungry in a detached residence, the first place they go to is the kitchen or the refrigerator. 

Incentive Theory 

In incentive theory, motivation arises from attraction to individual objects. Incentives are viewed as rewards that can potentially propel an individual to act. People are motivated to drink water to quench thirst and improve immunity. 

Arousal Theory 

Arousal theory states that each has a distinct level of arousal that is unique to them. When a person’s arousal level falls below his/her personalized optimum levels, he/she is prompted to seek stimulation to elevate them (Psychestudy, 2018) . Additionally, if the level rises beyond the optimum level, an individual is compelled to engage in a relaxing activity such as taking a nap to lower his/her arousal level. A critical assumption of this particular theory is that human beings are driven or motivated to pursue actions that aid them to achieve an ideal balance (Cherry, 2017) . 

Brain State Theory 

Brain state theory of motivation states that the only thing that motivates proposed actions is the brain itself in a given state. The brain is primarily tasked with providing satisfaction and happiness. 

Science Lesson Plan 

Name of School: Star Sheik School 

References  

Cherry, K. (2017). The Arousal Theory of Motivation. Very Well Mind , s://www.verywellmind.com/the-arousal-theory-of-motivation-2795380. 

Cherry, K. (2018). Theories of Motivation. Verywellmind , https://www.verywellmind.com/theories-of-motivation-2795720. 

Miller, G. (2017). Information Processing Theory. Learning THeories.com , https://www.learning-theories.com/information-processing-theory.html. 

Psychestudy. (2018). Arousal Theory. Psychestudy , https://www.psychestudy.com/general/motivation-emotion/arousal-theory-motivation.