Human Motivation

Why do we throw ourselves into some projects enthusiastically, while only a hefty bribe could induce us to work on others? In this seminar, we will explore the vicissitudes of human motivation across multiple perspectives (e.g., drive, learning, social-cognitive theories), domains of human activity (e.g., academics, athletics), and developmental periods. Through our own observational studies and critical reading of theory and research, we will challenge popular notions of what motivates, examine individual differences in motivation, and complicate our everyday intuitions of how motivation is experienced and measured. (PSYC 0105; open to junior and senior psychology majors only) 3 hrs. sem.