Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 88%

The drive-reduction theory of motivation best explains the motivation behind which of the following situations?

Rationale

A person drinking a glass of water after a long walk.

The drive-reduction theory of motivation posits that individuals are motivated to reduce internal drives, such as thirst, to achieve homeostasis. In this context, drinking water after a long walk addresses the physiological need for hydration, thereby reducing the drive created by thirst.

A (A baby smiling shortly after birth) YOUR ANSWER

A baby smiling shortly after birth does not primarily stem from a drive-reduction need. Instead, it is often an involuntary reflex or a response to external stimuli, rather than a behavior aimed at alleviating a biological drive. This situation does not illustrate the concept of reducing an internal drive.

B (A person riding the tallest roller coaster) YOUR ANSWER

Riding a roller coaster is typically motivated by the pursuit of excitement or thrill rather than a drive-reduction scenario. This experience often relates more to seeking arousal or pleasure than fulfilling a physiological need, making it an inappropriate example for the drive-reduction theory.

C (A student studying hard for an exam) YOUR ANSWER

While a student studying might be driven by the desire to achieve good grades, this motivation is not directly linked to reducing a physiological drive. Instead, it is more about achieving academic goals and managing performance anxiety, which falls outside the scope of the drive-reduction theory that focuses on biological needs.

D (A person drinking a glass of water after a long walk) CORRECT

This choice perfectly exemplifies the drive-reduction theory, as the act of drinking water is a direct response to the physiological drive of thirst that arises after physical exertion. By satisfying this need, the individual reduces their discomfort and restores balance, aligning with the principles of the theory.

Conclusion

The drive-reduction theory effectively explains motivation in scenarios where biological needs prompt behavior, such as the act of drinking water after exertion. In contrast, the other options represent motivations that are not primarily driven by the need to reduce physiological discomfort, demonstrating how the theory specifically applies to situations involving homeostatic regulation.

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