The difference between motive and need.

Both motive and need play the role of internal regulators of behavior. Some even mistakenly believe that the named concepts mean the same thing. In order to have correct ideas on this issue, let us consider how the motive differs from the need.

Definition

Motive is what pushes a person to some action, makes his activity meaningful and focused. A motive is a specific experience that is accompanied by emotions: positive (associated with the expectation of achieving the goal) or negative (caused by dissatisfaction with the present situation).

Need is a state in which a person needs something capable of ensuring his normal existence and development both at the physiological and psychological levels. Unmet needs cause tension and discomfort, which increase if the situation does not change. Satisfaction of needs evokes positive emotions. Needs determine the selectivity of the perception of reality - a person focuses his attention precisely on objects that help satisfy his individual needs.

Comparison

As an example that helps to see the difference between motive and need, we can cite the following: the feeling of lack of food is a need, and the desire to satisfy hunger already acts as a motive and prompts a person to do certain actions.

There is no motive without a goal. Need is a general state that should not always be considered purposeful. The motive directly affects the behavior of a person, his aspirations. A need at the moment is capable of existing, but it is not necessary that a person's activity will be associated precisely with its satisfaction.

The difference between motive and need lies in the fact that of them is primary. So, needs can be called energetic primary sources of behavior. Motives are psychological subjective formations that begin and support the individual's activities aimed at satisfying his existing needs. [twenty].