ABSTRACT
The study of motivation fits readily into that aspect of psychology concerned with the energization and direction of behaviour and forms part of a continuing attempt to understand the purposive nature of the activities of animals and men (see D2). It seems obvious that all organisms move about their environment, from time to time, with what appears to be purposeful intent; activities are ostensibly directed and are carried out with an apparent sense of urgency. Such instances prompt the question – why is this activity taking place? – and the study of motivation is an attempt to answer this question. Although this would seem to be a justifiable pursuit it is worth mentioning in passing that certain psychological writers would disapprove of such an aim, believing that progress in establishing a body of knowledge about behaviour is best aided by a comprehensive description of behaviour. Such a view is quite anathemous to students of motivation whose intention is to go beyond a mere description of activities to provide an explanation in terms of the causal agencies which initiate and guide behaviour.
