Cognitive theories of motivation from "summary" of Psychology of Learning and Motivation by
Motivation is an important factor in understanding human behavior and cognitive theories provide an explanation for why people act in certain ways. Cognitive theories focus on how individuals process information, create meaning, and interpret their environment in order to explain why they are motivated to act in certain ways.- Cognitive theories of motivation examine the mental process involved in how individuals are motivated to take certain actions. They believe that our expectations, beliefs and attitudes can influence our level of motivation.
- Cognitive theorists posit that people base their decisions on rewards and punishments A person’s behavior can be shaped if they receive positive reinforcement when they engage in desirable conduct or negative feedback when they exhibit undesired behavior.
- Self-regulation is another part of cognitive theories of motivation. It includes utilizing cognitive processes such as self-reflection, setting realistic goals and creating strategies to reach those goals.
- Attribution theory states that personal explanatory styles have a dramatic effect on motivation. People who assign an internal cause to success or failure are said to contain a higher impulse to succeed while those assigning external causes often lack the motivation needed to do so.
- Last but not least, cognitive theorists also explain that focusing on the process rather than the result encourages more effective motivation. This means being mindful of the daily journey and savoring each successful step taken instead of becoming discouraged because reaching the end goal has not yet occurred.
- There is evidence from studies that taking proactive steps towards your desired outcome can increase your motivation. Making plans and establishing goals provide a cognitive structure for you to stay on track and satisfy your needs.
