Which approach to motivation argues that behavior is governed by instincts similar to those of animals?

• A. Instinct Approach
• B. Drive
• C. Intrinsic Motivation
• D. Acquired (Secondary) Drives

Answer: (A)

Motivation that relies on inherited, species-wide patterns is known as the Instinct Approach. This view says behavior is guided by inborn tendencies—fixed action patterns that emerge automatically in response to specific stimuli, much like how certain animals show instinctual sequences. It emphasizes that many actions are preprogrammed and not primarily driven by current needs or by what’s learned from the environment.

In contrast, drive theory focuses on internal states of deprivation that create tension and push us to reduce that tension, such as hunger leading to eating. Intrinsic motivation centers on doing an activity because it is inherently enjoyable or interesting, not because it’s connected to an instinct. Acquired (secondary) drives involve learned incentives that gain motivational power through experience, like the desire for money or social approval.

So the instinct-based perspective best fits the idea of behavior being governed by instinctive, animal-like patterns.