If motivation consist only of drive-reduction, what is the perfect state of a human being?

a. Competitive,hard driving
b. Not hungry or thirsty,no pain,absence of fear
c. Constant change,always reestablish homeostasis
d. Gradual movement from primary to secondary drives.

Firstly I thought the answer is c.,but after reading some more information besides my textbook,I start thinking about b.
I'm in complete confusion.Maybe I just do not understand the question:(
Thanks for any help!

P.S. I would have said B because under that theory a person derives pleasure from reducing tension. If that person would hungry, he/she would eat and then be happy. So to me if he/she would not have to DO any of that, it would be a perfect state.

Sra

Thanks for your suggestion, and especially for the link!I think that it's not the last question about motivation,so I want to understand this theme.

What bothers me about this question is a "perfect state of a human being." Is a perfect state when all needs are satisfied and we become a bump on a log? Does your text address this question?

Exactly words "perfect state" made me confused..

Understanding the question can sometimes be a bit challenging, especially in subjects like psychology where there can be multiple perspectives and theories. Let's break down the options and the concept of motivation for a better understanding.

Motivation is a complex process that involves various factors, and different theories propose different ideas about what drives human behavior. The drive-reduction theory suggests that motivation is based on fulfilling physiological needs or drives. According to this theory, a perfect state of a human being would be when all of their physiological needs are met, leading to a state of satisfaction or equilibrium.

Let's analyze the options:

a. Competitive, hard driving: This option suggests that a person in a perfect state would be constantly striving and working towards achieving their goals. This aligns more with the concept of achievement motivation, rather than drive-reduction theory.

b. Not hungry or thirsty, no pain, absence of fear: This option takes into account the basic physiological needs that drive-reduction theory focuses on, such as hunger, thirst, and safety. It proposes that a perfect state would be free from any physical discomfort or fear. This option seems to align more closely with the drive-reduction theory, as it addresses the absence of primary drives.

c. Constant change, always reestablish homeostasis: This option suggests that a perfect state would involve constant adaptation and the maintenance of homeostasis, which refers to the body's tendency to regulate its internal environment. While this idea may have some validity, it doesn't explicitly address the concept of drive-reduction theory.

d. Gradual movement from primary to secondary drives: This option describes the concept of primary and secondary drives. Primary drives are biological needs like hunger and thirst, while secondary drives are learned and acquired. Gradual movement from primary to secondary drives implies that once primary needs are fulfilled, a person focuses on more complex and higher-level goals. This option is related to the hierarchy of needs proposed by Abraham Maslow, which suggests that individuals strive for self-actualization once their basic needs are met. While this concept is certainly relevant, it does not exclusively address the drive-reduction theory.

Considering the options, option b ("Not hungry or thirsty, no pain, absence of fear") seems to align most closely with the drive-reduction theory. However, it's important to note that motivation is a multifaceted concept, and different perspectives and theories exist. It's also valuable to consider other theories such as Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which highlights the importance of psychological and self-actualization needs beyond basic physiological drives.

When faced with a question like this, it's helpful to analyze each option, consider the relevant theories and perspectives, and critically evaluate which option aligns best with the concept being discussed. In this case, option b aligns more directly with the drive-reduction theory, but it's still important to acknowledge the complexity and multiple factors influencing human motivation.