Drive Theory (or Drive-Reduction Theory)

Overview & Description: Introduced by Clark Hull in the 1940s, the Drive Theory postulates that physiological needs create an aroused state that drives an organism to address and satisfy those needs. When the organism experiences a need (like hunger), it creates an internal state of tension (or a “drive”), motivating the organism to carry out behaviors that will reduce this tension and return the organism to a state of homeostasis.

Principles of Drive Theory:

• Primary Drives: These are biological needs, like hunger, thirst, and sleep.
• Secondary Drives: These are learned drives, often associated with primary drives. For example, money can be a secondary drive because it can satisfy primary drives by allowing someone to purchase food or shelter.
• Drive Reduction: It is the state of relief and reward produced by removing the tension and discomfort of an unmet need.

Implications:

• Motivation: Drive theory is foundational in understanding human motivation. It suggests that behaviors are driven primarily by internal states of tension.
• Learning & Behavior: Secondary drives form the basis of many learned behaviors and habits, indicating how external rewards can shape behavior over time.

References:

• Hull, C. L. (1943). Principles of Behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

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