Classification of Motives | Types of Motives

• Meaning of Motive

According to Mc Couch, “That state of a person which prompts him to practice towards a given goal and which throws light on the adequacy of his actions and achievement of the goal, is called motive.”

Due to the important place of motive in educational psychology, many psychologists have tried to categorize them by studying them thoroughly. Here it would be appropriate to consider the classification presented by some scholars.

• Classification of Motives

1. According to M K Thomson

I. Natural Motive

II. Artificial Motive

2. According to Abraham Maslow 

I. Innate Motive

II. Acquired Motive

3. According To Thomson

I. Security Motive

II. Reaction Motive

III. Prestige Motive

IV. New Experience

4. According to Garrett 

I. Biological Motive

II. Psychologist Motive

III. Social Motive

Garrett has described the primary motives as biological motives.

• Types of Motives

Broadly speaking, motives can be divided into the following categories : Types of Motives

1. Innate Motive 

Innate motive are those which are found in the individual from birth. The life of an animal depends on these moyives. Therefore, they are also called biological motive, physiological motive or primary motive (according to Maslow). Hunger, thirst, sex, sleep, love, anger, bowel movements etc. are innate motives. Innate motive keep a person active for life.

Hunger, thirst, sleep and bowel movements are strong motives in the newborn.

2. Acquired Motive

The motive which are not innate but are learned by the person by coming in contact with environment, they are called acquired motive. Habit, interest, community etc. are acquired motive. By the way, social and personal motive can also be placed under acquired, as they are learned by all individuals.

Secondary needs are also a name of acquired motive, because they are obtained by the individual for social adjustment. They are not universal.

3. Personal Motive

The life experiences of individuals vary due to living in different types of environment. This results in the development of individual motives of person. The level of aspiration, life goals, item addictions, attitudes, etc. are personal motive.

4. Social Motive 

Human is a social creature. Therefore, due to social needs, social motive arise in the person. Prestige, security, collectivity, collectibility, dominance etc. are social motive.

• Difference Between Innate Motives and Acquired Motives

Innate Motives -

1. Innate (intrinsic) motives are found in the individual from birth and do not have to be learned.

2. These are the primary essential requirements related to the survival of the creature.

3. These are also called physiological or primary motives.

4. These motives are the basis of a person's life, due to which their physical and mental balance deteriorates.

5. Innate motives are hunger, thirst, rest, condemnation, defecation, love, sex, anger etc.

Acquired Motives -

1. acquired motives are obtained by staying in the society. They develop due to the influence of society and environment.

2. These include those motives of human behavior that a person acquires during his life time through education or exposure to the environment.

3. They are also called secondary needs, non-motivational motives or social motives.

4. These are obtained by the individual for social adjustment. It is difficult to know the physiological reasons for these motives that evolved through the process of socialization.

5. Acquired motives include life goals, aspiration level, addiction, habit, unconscious mind, attitudes and emotions etc.