What does the term "motivation" refer to in psychology?

In psychology, "motivation" refers to the processes that initiate, guide, and maintain goal-oriented behaviors. This definition highlights the essential role that motivation plays in directing an individual's actions toward achieving specific objectives or fulfilling needs. It encompasses both the internal and external factors that influence behavior, emphasizing the dynamic nature of motivation and its impact on a person's capacity to act.

For instance, motivation can arise from intrinsic factors, such as personal interests or desires, as well as extrinsic factors, like rewards or recognition from others. By understanding motivation in this way, psychologists can better analyze human behavior and the reasons behind why individuals pursue certain goals while sometimes neglecting others.

This concept is foundational in various areas of psychology, including educational psychology, where motivation is crucial for learning, and in clinical psychology, where it plays a role in understanding behavior change in therapeutic settings.