Final answer:
E. Sabrina studies hard because her parents reward her by paying $20 for each superior grade she brings home.
The incentive theory of motivation suggests that behavior is driven by the desire for external rewards. The best example of this theory is a student who studies hard in order to receive monetary rewards from her parents for superior grades, as it showcases the influence of an external incentive on behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
Incentive Theory Explanation
The incentive theory of motivation posits that behavior is motivated by a desire for external rewards or incentives. When considering the options presented, the best depiction of the incentive theory is option E: Sabrina studies hard because her parents reward her by paying $20 for each superior grade she brings home. This example clearly illustrates how an external reward (money) is provided as an incentive for a specific behavior (studying hard), directly linking the motivational force to an external incentive.
Options A, C, and D seem more aligned with the drive theory of motivation, which suggests that actions are compelled by the need to fulfill basic physiological needs and maintain homeostasis. Option B involves intrinsic motivation, where the behavior (continuing to study despite low grades) is driven by personal interest and internal satisfaction, rather than external incentives.
In contrast to the other theories of motivation, the incentive theory is distinctive in its focus on the external stimuli that encourage or discourage certain behaviors, and it's an important concept in understanding human behavior, particularly in fields like education, business, and psychology.