The Drive Reduction Theory is a concept of motivation that explains behavior as a response to physiological needs creating a drive state, aiming to achieve homeostasis. It is distinct from other motivation theories and should not be mixed up with Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which is also a motivation theory but operates on a spectrum from basic biological needs to social and self-fulfillment desires.
The theory of motivation referred to in the question is the Drive Reduction Theory, which is not to be confused with Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, Operant Conditioning Theory, or Expectancy Theory. Drive Reduction Theory posits that motivation originates from biological needs that drive an individual to seek homeostasis.
For instance, when a person is hungry due to low blood sugar levels, the physiological need to eat arises, creating a drive state that motivates the person to find food, thus reducing the drive and restoring balance. This theory also touches upon how habits formed from successful drive reduction can influence future behavior.
In Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, motivation is explained as a sequence of needs ranging from physiological to self-actualization, where more basic needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed. It is depicted as a pyramid, with fundamental needs at the base and self-fulfillment needs at the top.