Final answer:
Motivation is influenced by various factors including biological needs, intrinsic satisfaction, and extrinsic rewards. Extrinsic motivation is guided by external factors such as money or praise, while intrinsic motivation comes from internal fulfillment. Cultural and arousal levels also play key roles in determining motivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Motivation is a complex concept that involves multiple factors influencing why we engage in certain behaviors. These factors can be biological, related to our physiological needs and homeostasis, or they can involve socio-psychological aspects such as our interaction with the environment, culture, and social experiences. In terms of theories behind motivation, we look at intrinsic motivation, which stems from internal satisfaction, and extrinsic motivation, which is driven by external rewards. For example, when a student is pursuing education purely for the love of learning, this is intrinsic motivation. However, if the purpose of education is to get a well-paying job or meet parents' expectations, it is an example of extrinsic motivation.
Motivation can also be influenced by the Yerkes-Dodson law, which suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal for task performance—simple tasks are performed best under higher arousal, while complex tasks require lower arousal levels. Moreover, cultural factors like collectivism can impact motivation, where behaviors might be directed towards what is beneficial for the group rather than the individual. An example in the form of a question to clarify the concept of extrinsic motivation could be: "Carl mows the yard of his elderly neighbor each week for $20. What type of motivation is this?" The correct answer is A. extrinsic, as the behavior is motivated by an external reward.