What are basic Types of Motivation? Physiological, Psychological & Social

Introduction of  Motivation 

• The term ‘motivation’ -Latin word- ‘movere’ -means ‘to move‘.
• We all know about the motive power or an automotive (self – moving) vehicle.
• The mechanism of motivation – movement towards a desire object.

Definition of Motivation 

“Motivation is a process that starts with a physiological or psychological deficiency or need that activates behaviour or a drive that is aimed at a goal or incentive.”

Petri (1996) defined Motivation as the process by which activities are started, directed, and continued so that
physical or psychological needs or wants are met.

Characteristics of motivation

• • Logical scientific construct.
  • No immediate sensory testimony/ proof.
  • A hypothetical process, the functioning of which is inferred from observations of the behavior.
  • Like gravity/intelligence etc.

There are three basic types of motivation .

1.Physiological/ Primary/ Basic Motivation

It involve our need for self preservation. This includes needs such as hunger & thirst, sex, warmth, avoidance of pain. It influence a person’s behavior at a very basic level.

• Universal
• Largely unlearned or innate

2.Psychological/ Secondary/ Drive Motivation–

These are “learned” motivation, this type of “drives” differs from one person to another. These are conscious ones.

• Security,
• Autonomy,
• Affiliation,
• Achievement,
• Dependence.
• Aggression,
• Power

It generally falls into two basic types: intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.

3. Social Motivation

It is intermediate and interrelated category between above two.

• Status,
• Recognition

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