Test Your Knowledge: 20 MCQs on Motivation, Its Types & Conflicts

Boost your understanding of motivation with these 20 MCQs on perspectives, types, and conflicts of motivation. Get answers with explanations to enhance learning and test your knowledge.

1. Which of the following is NOT a major perspective on motivation?

A) Biological perspective
B) Cognitive perspective
C) Emotional perspective
D) Behavioral perspective

✅ Answer: C) Emotional perspective
📝 Explanation: The major perspectives on motivation include biological (instincts, drives), behavioral (reinforcement), cognitive (goal-setting, expectancy), and humanistic (self-actualization). Emotion is not a distinct theoretical perspective on motivation.

2. The theory that emphasizes internal psychological needs as the basis of motivation is called:

A) Behavioral Theory
B) Cognitive Theory
C) Humanistic Theory
D) Evolutionary Theory

✅ Answer: C) Humanistic Theory
📝 Explanation: Humanistic theories, such as Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, emphasize self-actualization and internal psychological needs as key motivators.

3. Intrinsic motivation refers to motivation that is:

A) Driven by external rewards
B) Driven by personal interest or enjoyment
C) Based on social pressures
D) Motivated by punishment avoidance

✅ Answer: B) Driven by personal interest or enjoyment
📝 Explanation: Intrinsic motivation comes from within and is based on personal satisfaction, while extrinsic motivation depends on external rewards.

4. Which of the following is an example of extrinsic motivation?

A) Reading a book because you enjoy the story
B) Painting for self-expression
C) Studying to earn a scholarship
D) Playing music because you love it

✅ Answer: C) Studying to earn a scholarship
📝 Explanation: Extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards, such as money, grades, or recognition.

5. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, which is the highest level of motivation?

A) Esteem needs
B) Safety needs
C) Physiological needs
D) Self-actualization

✅ Answer: D) Self-actualization
📝 Explanation: Maslow's hierarchy places self-actualization at the top, representing the fulfillment of personal potential.

6. The drive-reduction theory of motivation suggests that:

A) Motivation arises from the desire to fulfill innate human potential
B) Behavior is motivated by reducing physiological imbalances
C) Rewards and punishments shape motivation
D) Goal-setting is the primary source of motivation

✅ Answer: B) Behavior is motivated by reducing physiological imbalances
📝 Explanation: Drive-reduction theory states that biological needs create internal states of tension, motivating behaviors to restore balance.

7. A person torn between two desirable goals is experiencing which type of motivational conflict?

A) Approach-Approach Conflict
B) Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict
C) Approach-Avoidance Conflict
D) Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

✅ Answer: A) Approach-Approach Conflict
📝 Explanation: This conflict occurs when a person must choose between two attractive options.

8. What type of conflict occurs when a person is faced with two equally undesirable choices?

A) Approach-Approach Conflict
B) Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict
C) Approach-Avoidance Conflict
D) Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

✅ Answer: B) Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict
📝 Explanation: This occurs when a person must choose between two negative or unpleasant outcomes.

9. A student who wants to participate in a competition but fears failure experiences which conflict?

A) Approach-Approach Conflict
B) Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict
C) Approach-Avoidance Conflict
D) Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

✅ Answer: C) Approach-Avoidance Conflict
📝 Explanation: This occurs when a single goal has both positive and negative aspects.

10. Self-determination theory emphasizes the need for:

A) Money and power
B) External rewards
C) Autonomy, competence, and relatedness
D) Competition and success

✅ Answer: C) Autonomy, competence, and relatedness
📝 Explanation: According to self-determination theory, people are motivated by the need for independence (autonomy), mastery (competence), and social connection (relatedness).

11. Which of the following best describes extrinsic motivation?

A) Seeking internal fulfillment
B) Engaging in activities for personal satisfaction
C) Performing an action for external rewards
D) Avoiding unnecessary effort

✅ Answer: C) Performing an action for external rewards
📝 Explanation: Extrinsic motivation is driven by external incentives like money, recognition, or grades.

12. Which perspective on motivation is associated with reinforcement and punishment?

A) Cognitive
B) Behavioral
C) Biological
D) Humanistic

✅ Answer: B) Behavioral
📝 Explanation: Behavioral theories, like operant conditioning, suggest motivation is shaped by reinforcement and punishment.

13. The Yerkes-Dodson Law suggests that:

A) Higher arousal always improves performance
B) Performance is best at moderate arousal levels
C) Low motivation leads to the best outcomes
D) Intrinsic motivation is more powerful than extrinsic motivation

✅ Answer: B) Performance is best at moderate arousal levels
📝 Explanation: According to this law, too little or too much arousal can hinder performance, while moderate levels enhance it.

14. What type of motivation is primarily driven by curiosity and learning for its own sake?

A) Extrinsic motivation
B) Intrinsic motivation
C) Negative motivation
D) Avoidance motivation

✅ Answer: B) Intrinsic motivation
📝 Explanation: Intrinsic motivation is fueled by personal interest and curiosity rather than external rewards.

15. Which conflict type involves two goals, each with both positive and negative aspects?

A) Approach-Approach Conflict
B) Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict
C) Approach-Avoidance Conflict
D) Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict

✅ Answer: D) Double Approach-Avoidance Conflict
📝 Explanation: In this conflict, a person must choose between two options, each with pros and cons.

Conclusion

These 20 MCQs cover key concepts related to perspectives on motivation, types of motivation, and motivational conflicts. Understanding these principles is crucial for psychology students and anyone interested in human behavior.