How do arousal approaches to motivation differ from drive reduction approaches?

Answer 1

The drive reduction and arousal approaches both try to explain motivation as an internal driving force to sustain some kind of an internal balance. The way they differ is in "what kind of an internal balance !!?". In drive reduction theory the internal balance is the homeostasis of primary biological needs (e.g. thirst, hunger, sex, sleep & bodytemperature). For exampleyour hypothalamus isresponsible for maintaining an optimal level ofGlucose in your blood, if you don't eat for half a day the Glucose level drops in your blood and this change in the balance will push yourhypothalamustotrigger anegative excitement that causes you to rush to aMacDonald.And if you eat too much, again thehypothalamuswill trigger a negative excitement to stop you from eating (hopefully) and maintain the balance.(----> Its biological)
In arousal approaches the internal balance is an optimal level of stimulation. When the level is too low, you feel bored and frustrated and seek something interesting to do (like playing a game on youriPadwhile the teacher is teaching). And when the level is too high, you mayexperiencehigh levels of stress and anxiety which pushes you to reduce the stimulation level. (like playing games on your iPad the night before exam).

(-----> Its Psychological)

Answer 2

Arousal approaches focus on the idea that individuals are motivated to maintain an optimal level of physiological or psychological arousal, seeking out activities to increase or decrease arousal as needed. In contrast, drive reduction approaches propose that motivation arises from the desire to reduce internal tension or drives, such as hunger or thirst, through goal-directed behavior.