This chapter represents nothing more than a detailed discussion of various theories that belong in the motivation box of the MARS model. The theories are organized as needs-drives types and rational decision model types. If you can classify them and separate them from one another it will help tremendously. Use the lecture outline I provided at the beginning of this chapter.

Four-drive theory and the theory of learned needs may not lend themselves very well to personal examples. For that reason, they may be more difficult to remember. However, that is not the case for expectancy theory and equity theory. Most students don’t have any difficulties making up their own examples to illustrate the principles behind these theories.

As for equity theory, dealing with feelings of inequity is an almost universal human condition. Try and remember how you felt when it happened to you and what you were motivated to do. Chances are it matches one of the seven consequences discussed in the chapter. Have you ever modified a course of action because you reasoned the probabilities of success were too low to justify the effort, or that the rewards were too low? That’s a real-life application of expectancy theory.

As for behaviour modification and the social cognitive theory, you’ll have to put in some effort here. This is especially true for those who haven’t taken an introductory psychology course, or haven’t been to dog training school.

While the theories are important, as are the consequences, don’t forget there is one process hidden in this chapter that you should not overlook. Goal settings, its characteristics, along with the suggestions for effective feedback are important too. The other portions within the chapter don’t typically give students too much difficulty, but read those as well.