Editing Motivation (section)

{{short description|Inner state causing goal-directed behavior}}
{{About||other uses|Motivation (disambiguation)|and|Motivate (disambiguation)|and|Motiv8 (disambiguation){{!}}Motiv8}}
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'''Motivation''' is an [[mental state|internal state]] that propels individuals to engage in [[goal]]-directed [[behavior]]. It is often understood as a force that explains why people or animals initiate, continue, or terminate a certain behavior at a particular time. It is a complex phenomenon and its precise definition is disputed. It contrasts with [[#Amotivation and akrasia|amotivation]], which is a state of [[apathy]] or listlessness. Motivation is studied in fields like [[psychology]], neuroscience, motivation science, and [[philosophy]].

Motivational states are characterized by their direction, [[Motivational intensity|intensity]], and persistence. The direction of a motivational state is shaped by the goal it aims to achieve. Intensity is the strength of the state and affects whether the state is translated into action and how much effort is employed. Persistence refers to how long an individual is willing to engage in an activity. Motivation is often divided into two phases: in the first phase, the individual establishes a goal, while in the second phase, they attempt to reach this goal.

Many types of motivation are discussed in the academic literature. ''Intrinsic motivation'' comes from internal factors like [[enjoyment]] and [[curiosity]]; it contrasts with ''extrinsic motivation'', which is driven by external factors like obtaining rewards and avoiding [[punishment]]. For ''conscious motivation'', the individual is aware of the motive driving the behavior, which is not the case for ''unconscious motivation''. Other types include: ''rational'' and ''irrational motivation''; ''biological'' and ''cognitive motivation''; ''short-term'' and ''long-term motivation''; and ''egoistic'' and ''altruistic motivation''.

Theories of motivation are conceptual frameworks that seek to explain motivational phenomena. [[Content theories]] aim to describe which internal factors motivate people and which goals they commonly follow. Examples are the [[hierarchy of needs]], the [[two-factor theory]], and the learned needs theory. They contrast with process theories, which discuss the cognitive, emotional, and decision-making processes that underlie human motivation, like [[expectancy theory]], [[equity theory]], [[goal-setting theory]], [[self-determination theory]], and [[reinforcement theory]]. Motivation is relevant to many fields. It affects educational success, [[work performance]], athletic success, and [[economic behavior]]. It is further pertinent in the fields of [[personal development]], health, and criminal law.