motivation

Also known as motive

Motivation is an internal state that propels individuals to engage in goal-directed behavior. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or other animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. It is a complex phenomenon and its precise definition is disputed. It contrasts with amotivation, which is a state of apathy or listlessness. Motivation is studied in fields such as psychology, motivation science, neuroscience, and philosophy.

AI overview

Motivation is the internal drive that pushes people to take action and pursue goals, explaining why they start, keep going with, or stop doing certain things. It matters because understanding what drives human behavior helps explain why people act the way they do, though scientists and philosophers continue to debate exactly how to define it.

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Research

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Wikidata facts

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Commons category: Motivation
hashtag: motivation
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~52 min read

Article

30 sections

Contents

Definition, measurement, and semantic field
Academic definitions
Semantic field
Components and stages
Components
Stages
Types
Intrinsic and extrinsic
Conscious and unconscious
Rational and irrational
Biological and cognitive
Short-term and long-term
Egoistic and altruistic
Others
Amotivation and akrasia
Theories
Major content theories
Major process theories
In various fields
Neurology
Education
Work
Sport
Criminal law
Others
See also
References
Notes
Citations
Sources

Motivational states are characterized by their direction, intensity, and persistence. The direction of a motivational state is shaped by the goal it aims to achieve. Intensity is the strength of the state and affects whether the state is translated into action and how much effort is employed. Persistence refers to how long an individual is willing to engage in an activity. Motivation is often divided into two phases: in the first phase, the individual establishes a goal, while in the second phase, they attempt to reach this goal.