Drive-reduction theory
Some actions are motivated by reducing internal physiological deficits.
Theory The classification describes how this account is used here; it is not an evidence rating.
Central claim
Biological deprivation disrupts physiological homeostasis and creates an aversive internal drive state, motivating instrumental behaviors that restore balance and are reinforced by drive reduction.
Proposed mechanism
A departure from a regulated state produces a drive, and behaviors associated with reducing that drive become more likely. The proposal links motivation with homeostatic regulation.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020)
What would it predict?
After a relevant deprivation, actions that previously reduced the deficit should increase. Satiation should reduce those actions if the same drive is the main influence.
An original test formulation derived from the account, not a claim that this exact study was performed.
Evidence and status
The textbook discusses drive reduction and homeostatic regulation as one major approach to motivation, formalized in learning theory by Hull (1943). Hunger and thirst illustrate deficit-related action, while other motives expose the limits of a general tension-reduction account.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020)
Major contributors
Clark Hull and other learning theorists; homeostasis has a broader physiological history
A selective attribution, not a complete intellectual genealogy or a sole-founder claim.
Apply the explanation
Original teaching scenario
Thirst increases the value of finding water, while drinking reduces that particular motivation. The account does not explain why someone then seeks a difficult puzzle.
Constructed for learning. This scenario does not report an empirical result.
Common confusion: Incentive or arousal-seeking motivation
Drive reduction explains action as pushing away from an internal biological deficit, whereas incentive and arousal accounts address why organisms also seek external rewards, novelty, and stimulation.
Compare: Does motivation always reduce stimulation?
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020)
Limits and alternatives
- Curiosity, play and seeking intense stimulation are not easily explained as reducing a deficit. Physiological regulation also involves anticipatory and environmental processes rather than one simple meter.
Evidence: (Spielman et al., 2020)
Textbook connection
Direct coveragePsychology 2e: 10.1 Motivation
This section directly discusses the account presented here. The profile is an original synthesis, not a reproduction of the textbook.
Related explanations
Compare: Does motivation always reduce stimulation? · Inspect research methods
Sources and inspection notes
Checked October 21, 2026. An inspection date is not a publication date. Original experiments described by a textbook are not individually re-audited unless a separate primary source is listed.
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/10-1-motivationTextbook section inspected, October 21, 2026
Supports the introductory account and historical framing. Does not independently verify every original experiment cited by the textbook.