Question

Describe drive reduction theory of motivation.

Answer 1

The drive reduction theory of motivation became popular during the 1940s and 1950s as a way to explain behavior, learning, and motivation. The theory was created by behaviorist Clark Hull and further developed by his collaborator Kenneth Spence. According to the theory, the reduction of drives is the primary force behind motivation.

While the drive-reduction theory of motivation was once a dominant force in psychology, it is largely ignored today. Despite this, it's worthwhile for students to learn more about Hull’s ideas in order to understand the effect his work had on psychology and to see how other theorists responded by proposing their own theories.