Compare and contrast the drive-reduction theory and the incentive theory of motivation.

Answer:

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Both theories attempt to explain what motivates personal behavior in people. The drive-reduction theory of motivation explains how internal states of tension motivate individuals to act. It also describes the source of motivation as being within the organism, such as the way that hunger or exhaustion lies within us. However, the incentive theory of motivation explains how external things motivate individuals to act, and it describes the source of motivation as being outside of the organism, such as the way that rewards or punishments are external.