A categorized list of motivation definitions, with a suggestion for a consensual definition

Abstract

A major difficulty in the psychology of motivation has been the lack of consensus on its definition. In an attempt to resolve the terminological confusion, 102 statements defining or criticizing the concept were compiled from a variety of sources. The definitions were classified into nine categories, on the basis of the phenomena or theoretical issues emphasized, with a tenth category containing the skeptical statements. Two categories of definitions emphasized internal mechanisms (phenomenological and physiological); three emphasized functional processes (energizing, directing, and vector); two restricted the scope of motivation (temporal-restrictive and process-restrictive); and two emphasized the comprehensive nature of motivation (broad/balanced and all-inclusive). These categories identify concepts or variables that traditionally have been considered important aspects of motivation. Finally, suggestions were made concerning usage of the termmotivation in a way consistent with both the academic psychological approach and the nonpsychologist's informal concept.