The drive-reduction theory of motivation posits that all behavior is motivated by the biological need to reduce physiological drives or tensions. Clark Hull created this theory to explain that drives like hunger, thirst, and sex arise from biological needs or deficits and create a state of tension that motivates behaviors to restore homeostasis and reduce the drive. However, the theory fails to explain risk-seeking behaviors that do not reduce tension.

2. The Drive-Reduction Theory of
Motivation
• A theory originally posited in the mid-
20th century; attributed all behavioral
motivation to the pleasure of meeting a
biological need. Drive-reduction theory
fell out of favor because it failed to
explain situations where people choose a
tension-producing over a tension-
reducing action — in extreme sports, for
example.

3. • The drive-reduction theory was
created by behaviorist Clark Hull to
explain behavior, learning and
motivation.
• emphasized biological needs

4. Drive Reduction Theory:
How do you know when it is time to get a glass of
water? You know because you get this feeling of
being thirsty which motivates you to reduce the
thirst by drinking water. This is what happens
according to drive reduction theory. According to
this theory, some physiological need (need for
water) occurs that creates a state of tension (you
feel thirsty) which in turn motivates you to reduce
the tension or satisfy the need (drink water).

5. The Drives
• Behavior occurs in response to "drives"
such as hunger, thirst, sexual interest,
feeling cold, etc. When the goal of the
drive is attained (food, water, mating,
warmth) the drive is reduced, at least
temporarily. This reduction of drive
serves as a reinforcer for learning.

6. Behavior originated from
physiological needs
• Biological needs or tissue deficits
lead to a need which leads to the
drive state (such that you need to
take action)
• Need to reestablish balance or
homeostasis and strengthens the
drive

7. Drives are internal conditions that
relate to survival needs.
• If you go without drinking water the
chemical imbalance in your tissues will
drive you to get water.
• Biological needs or tissue deficits lead to
a need which leads to the drive state
(such that you need to take action)
• Need to reestablish balance or
homeostasis and strengthens the drive

8. Behavior is geared to reduce the
need or deficit.
• Eating, drinking and breathing
• Above behaviors reduce the need by
restoring balance or homeostasis
• Behaviors are reinforced and
strengthened through the reduction
of needs

9. Food that can reduce the drive of hunger
Warmth to reduce the drive of cold
Water to
reduce the
drive of thirst
Warmth and shelter to
reduce the drive of cold
Stages of the Drive-Reduction Theory

10. Works Cited
• http://psychology.about.com/od/motivation/a
/drive-reduction-theory.htm
• http://psychcentral.com/encyclopedia/2008/d
rive-reduction-theory-of-motivation/
• http://www.alleydog.com/glossary/definition.
php?term=Drive%20Reduction%20Theory