"I just can't make myself study ahead for a test. I work better under pressure. Perhaps it is the fear associated with waiting until the last minute that gets me going." This approach to motivation is best explained by:

Question

A. incentive approaches.
B. drive-reduction approaches.
C. arousal approaches.
D. cognitive approaches.

C

Answer 1

The approach to motivation described in the statement is best explained by arousal approaches (option C). Arousal approaches suggest that individuals are motivated by a need for optimal levels of stimulation. In this case, the person finds motivation and "gets going" when experiencing the pressure and fear associated with waiting until the last minute to study. These intense emotions provide the necessary level of arousal to stimulate their studying behavior. To arrive at this answer, the key is to understand the concept of arousal approaches and how they relate to the individual's behavior and motivation.