Course Description

Psychology of Motivation

Motivation is thought to be the conceptual psychological process that initiates, maintains, and guides goal-directed behaviors. It covers a wide range of concepts, from basic biological needs (such as food intake, sleep, and sex), to highly complex behavioral desires (such as social competence, self-actualization, and spiritual enlightenment). Since motivation is an invisible power, behaviorists often avoid using this term. However, neuroscientific research on motivation has revealed that it is not simply a hypothetical concept, and that it in fact has biological substrates. Thus, it is important to understand basic psychological facts and theories about motivation.
In this seminar, we will use Frontiers of Motivation Research (edited by Professor Hisashi Uebuchi of Waseda University) as a guide to grasp research trends in motivation. Participants are expected to locate research papers relevant to the contents of each chapter and introduce them to the class. Through this seminar, students will cultivate their understanding of motivation.