Motivation Theories Comparison

There are three different types of reinforcement approaches to motivation. The reinforcement approaches are: Skinner's Operant Conditioning Theory, Resource Allocation Theory, and Goal Orientation Perspectives. Each of these theories focuses on how a past behavior can have an effect on future behaviors or how behaviors are created by past experiences. These experiences try to evaluate why people remain motivated.

Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory focuses on the thought that individual's actions are a direct result of their environmental upbringing. He feels that individuals will repeat behaviors that had previously led to pleasant outcomes. He has four reinforcement options for behavior. The reinforcement options are: Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Extinction, and Punishment. Skinners theory supports that individuals are who they are because of their environment and not because of internal drives or other influences.

Resource Allocation Theory differs from Skinners Operant Conditioning Theory. It is based on how much an effort an individual wants to put towards a task. It is also based on what they expect to receive from achieving the task and what was gained from past experiences.

Goal Orientation Perspective is relatively similar to the Resource Allocation Theory. Individuals respond best to their own personal goals. Individuals have set goals towards what they wish to attain and what they wish to avoid. They learn to have motivation to pursue their preferences.

The theory in which I agree the most with is the Goal Orientation Perspective. I think that individuals have the most motivation when it comes to attaining something they personally want. If they set the goal, I think they will be motivated until they attain the goal. The only problem with this perspective is that sometimes people don't challenge themselves enough. They go for what they want; which in turn may limit their capability of learning/attaining other goals.

I agree least with the Resource Allocation Theory. I don't believe that just because an individual achieved a task in the past would make them feel that they could achieve it again. The past experiences help to have an idea what can be accomplished but I think there is more to it than just knowing you had a desired outcome before.

Overall, I believe that all of the theories of reinforcement approaches to motivation have good