A-Level Psychology: Understanding Motivation – Why We Do What We Do

Motivation sits at the heart of psychology. It explains why we start tasks, why we persist, and why we sometimes give up. For A-Level students, understanding motivation isn’t just about learning theories – it’s about recognising how these ideas apply to real behaviour: revising for exams, training for sport, or even deciding to scroll on your phone instead of doing homework.

This article gives a clear, exam-focused overview of motivation in A-Level Psychology, with examples students can actually relate to.

What Is Motivation?

Motivation is the process that initiates, directs, and sustains behaviour.
In simple terms: what makes us act, how hard we try, and how long we keep going.

Psychologists study motivation to explain:

Why behaviour varies between people
Why the same person behaves differently at different times
How behaviour can be encouraged or changed

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation

One of the most important distinctions at A-Level is between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.

Extrinsic Motivation

Driven by external rewards or avoidance of punishment
Examples:
- Revising to get good grades
- Working for money
- Completing homework to avoid detention

Strength: Can be very effective in the short term
Limitation: Behaviour often stops when the reward disappears

Intrinsic Motivation

Driven by internal satisfaction or enjoyment
Examples:
- Reading because you enjoy learning
- Playing music for pleasure
- Solving problems out of curiosity

Strength: Leads to deeper learning and persistence
Limitation: Not always present for every task

Examiners love applied examples comparing these two – especially in education and work contexts.

Theories of Motivation You Need to Know

Abraham Maslow – Hierarchy of Needs

Maslow proposed that motivation is driven by a hierarchy of needs, often shown as a pyramid:

Physiological (food, sleep)
Safety (security, stability)
Love and belonging
Esteem
Self-actualisation

Key idea: Higher-level needs only motivate us once lower needs are met.

Evaluation tip:

✔ Intuitive and easy to apply
✘ Limited empirical support and culturally biased

Edward Deci & Richard Ryan – Self-Determination Theory

This theory argues that motivation depends on three innate psychological needs:

Autonomy – feeling in control
Competence – feeling capable
Relatedness – feeling connected to others

When these needs are satisfied, intrinsic motivation increases.

Applied example:
Students learn better when they have choice, feel successful, and feel supported.

Approach and Avoidance Motivation

Approach motivation: moving towards a positive outcome
- e.g. aiming for top grades
Avoidance motivation: avoiding a negative outcome
- e.g. revising to avoid failure

Exam questions often ask how these affect stress, performance, and persistence.

Why Motivation Matters in Real Life

Understanding motivation helps explain:

Why rewards don’t always improve learning
Why some students persist despite setbacks
Why autonomy and purpose improve performance

In education, motivation is strongly linked to:

Achievement
Well-being
Long-term success

Exam Tips for A-Level Students

✔ Always define the type of motivation you’re discussing
✔ Use clear applied examples (school, work, sport)
✔ Evaluate theories with strengths and limitations
✔ Link motivation to real behaviour, not just definitions

Final Thought

Motivation isn’t about laziness or willpower alone. Psychology shows it’s shaped by needs, rewards, autonomy, and meaning. Once students understand why they behave the way they do, they’re far better equipped to change it.

11 January 2026