Motivation research refers to studies examining the factors that affect the beginning, choice, and direction of people’s behavior. Such research is used in psychology, marketing, and other fields.
Goal-setting is one way for people to motivate themselves and others—that is, to provide a reason for people to act in the desired way. Psychologists regard progress toward personal goals as a major source of happiness. Goal-setting is most effective, they find, when people select goals that fit their interests and values.
People often use rewards to motivate others to the desired behavior. But rewards may actually interfere with motivation. Children often respond when rewards are promised but lose interest if the rewards disappear. Psychologists believe that making people feel competent and independent are more effective motivational techniques than rewards are.
See also Advertising (Research).
