Think about a question that is difficult to answer, like why two people divorce, why a child hates math, or why a friend overeats. Human beings are quick to offer what they think are plausible explanations for such behavior—whether based in fact or fiction. Humans have theories, albeit often unconscious, that underlie their explanations. In fact, some evidence exists to show that when confronted with evidence in opposition to their beliefs, humans will hold on to those beliefs even harder. Social scientists, however, base their theories of motivation on empirically-supported research. Educational psychologists use the theories of motivation to better understand factors in learning and in educational settings.

This week, you explore the history of the field of motivation, major theories of motivation, and how you might apply theoretical principles in educational settings.

• Book Excerpt: Bindra, D. (1985). Motivation, the brain, and psychological theory. In S. Koch, & D. E. Leary (Eds.), A century of psychology as science (pp. 338–363). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the Psyc BOOKS database.
• Article: Turner, J. H. (1987). Toward a sociological theory of motivation. American Sociological Review, 52(1),15–27.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using the SocINDEX with Full Text database.
• Article: Weiner, B. (2010). The development of an attribution-based theory of motivation: A history of ideas. Educational Psychologist, 45(1), 28–36.
  Retrieved from the Walden Library using Academic Search Complete database.

Exploring and Applying Motivational Theories

Historically, theorists thought of motivation as the causative factor in all change. While today it is still accepted that motivation can be used to both enhance change and extinguish behaviors, theorists generally believe that motivation is only a part of change. They also recognize that motivation may be different for short- and long-term change.

Individuals with degrees in educational psychology may teach, consult, research, or work within a school setting to improve educational outcomes, in addition to many other roles. In each case, knowing how to apply theory to motivate learners, enhance learning, change environments, and explain success and failure are important skills to have.

To prepare for this Discussion, consider which motivational theory, out of those you have explored so far, you think provides the most compelling explanation of motivation. Think about how this theory accounts for short- and long-term change and how you could apply principles from this theory in an educational setting.

Post by Day 4 an explanation of which theory of motivation is most compelling to you and why. Then explain how this theory accounts for short- versus long-term change. Finally, explain two ways in which you might apply principles from this theory in an educational setting.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.