Mechanisms of motive formation: cultural-historical approach

Abstract

Even though motives for action have been widely studied, the mechanisms of motive formation remain unclear. These mechanisms perhaps play a key role in practical implementation of occupational and study motivation. Also, investigation of motive formation mechanisms might be important for development of psychological theory.
Based on the ideas of V.K.Vilyunas, four mechanisms of motive formation were analysed: motivational conditioning (1), motivational mediation (2), motivational conditioning with predictable reinforcement (3) and motivational mediation with direct reinforcement (4).
Results: Depending on the mechanism of motive formation, corresponding motivational effect can be mediated by individual's attitudes. Otherwise, the motivational effect is mediated by attitudes and activity the individual is involved in. Formation of sense-forming motives is only possible as a result of motivational conditioning (1). Other mechanisms of motive formation create motives-stimuli, when one's activity is perceived rather as means for obtaining a goal. The meaning of action is alienated in this case. Motivational conditioning (1) involves unconscious processing, although effectiveness of the motive formation does not depend on the awareness of the implemented mechanism. Other mechanisms of motive formation involve both conscious and unconscious processing.