Motivation theories

Explanations > Theories > Motivation Theories

Here are academic theories about motivation.

Acquired Needs Theory: we seek power, achievement or affiliation.
Affect Perseverance: Preference persists after disconfirmation.
Attitude-Behavior Consistency: factors that align attitude and behavior.
Attribution Theory: we need to attribute cause, that supports our ego.
Cognitive Dissonance: non-alignment is uncomfortable.
Cognitive Evalution Theory: we select tasks based on how doable they are.
Consistency Theory: we seek the comfort of internal alignment.
Control Theory: we seek to control the world around us.
Disconfirmation bias: Agreeing with what supports beliefs and vice versa.
ERG Theory: We seek to fulfill needs of existence, relatedness and growth.
Escape Theory: We seek to escape uncomfortable realities.
Expectancy Theory: We are motivated by desirable things we expect we can achieve.
Extrinsic Motivation: external: tangible rewards.
Goal-Setting Theory: different types of goals motivate us differently.
Intrinsic Motivation: internal: value-based rewards.
Investment Model: our commitment depends on what we have invested.
Opponent-Process Theory: opposite emotions interact.
Reactance Theory: discomfort when freedom is threatened.
Self-Discrepancy Theory: we need beliefs to be consistent.
Side Bet Theory: aligned side-bets increase commitment to a main bet.

See also