KynoLogisch Science Series: Dr. Simon Gadbois – Modern theories of motivation

In the early 1990’s, the great functionalist psychologist Robert Woodworth suggested that psychology should be about the study of motivational processes explaining behaviour. He called this “motivology”. Later, despite despising non-tangible mentalistic concepts, Behaviourists started to realize that a theory of operant conditioning could not avoid discussing issues surrounding motivation. These “operational behaviourists”, including Hull and Tolman, developed the early version of the modern theories of motivation. At first, “drive“ theories were put forward, but eventually replaced by “incentive” theories, a trend that was only reinforced by the work done by behavioural neuroscientists. Later, “anticipation” and “expectation”-based theories of learning were developed and challenged some of the preconceived ideas in learning theory. During this webinar we will discuss some of these theories and how motivational factors are essential in learning. Perspectives from Behaviourism, Cognitivism, Post-Cognitivism, and neuroscience will be presented and discussed.