ABSTRACT
All behavior except the simplest reflexes is considered to be motivated, Motivation controls behavior, and is usually regarded as having two aspects: it energizes behavior and directs it towards some goal. Modern approaches to human motivation borrow the language of drive-reduction theory, but apply it in a more general way. Unlike drive-reduction motives like hunger, curiosity seems not to be reduced when the 'consummatory behavior' of exploration takes place; that is, it does not satiate. One consequence of the optimal arousal view of motivation is that high levels of motivation may disrupt behavior, if the associated arousal is above the optimum. Super-optimal arousal is supposed to be the common mechanism by which such states as anxiety, or external conditions such as heat or noise produce a deterioration in performance. More complex tasks have more competing responses, so their optimal arousal level is lower.
