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What is the difference between manifest and latent motives? Provide an example of each.

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Final answer:

Manifest motives are explicit, intended outcomes of an activity, like gaining knowledge from education. Latent motives are subconscious, unintended outcomes, such as the social connections formed during schooling. An example of each would be a student's clear objective to graduate (manifest) and the unforeseen development of a social network (latent).

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between manifest and latent motives is found in their level of visibility and intentionality. Manifest motives are the clear, explicit reasons behind a behavior or action. They are the anticipated and intended outcomes of an activity. For example, the manifest function of education includes gaining knowledge, preparing for a career, and securing a job that uses that education.

On the other hand, latent motives are hidden or subconscious reasons that are not immediately apparent. These are unintended consequences that may arise as a result of the behavior or activity. In the context of education, latent functions may include developing social networks, finding a partner, or establishing a hierarchy of employment based on educational attainment. Latent functions can be positive, neutral, or negative in nature.

An example of a manifest motive could be a student studying hard to pass exams and achieve good grades, which aligns clearly with the goals of education. In contrast, an example of a latent motive might include the same student forming lifelong friendships during their time in school, which is a beneficial but unintended outcome of attending educational institutions.

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