Theories of Motivation: A Comprehensive Guide for Psychology Students

Question 1

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following would be considered a lower-level need?

Accepted Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Safety and security

Answer

Esteem and self-actualization

Answer

Love and belonging

Question 2

Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation distinguishes between:

Accepted Answer

Hygiene factors and motivators

Answer

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors

Answer

Needs and wants

Answer

Cognitive and affective factors

Question 3

How can organizations use job rotation to enhance employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

By providing variety and preventing boredom.

Answer

By increasing the number of tasks assigned to each employee.

Answer

By reducing the amount of supervision employees receive.

Answer

By increasing employee compensation.

Question 4

In the context of industrial-organizational psychology, what is the purpose of job evaluation?

Accepted Answer

To determine the relative worth of different jobs within an organization.

Answer

To evaluate the performance of employees in a particular job.

Answer

To design training programs for employees.

Answer

To recruit and select new employees.

Question 5

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following is the most fundamental level of motivation?

Accepted Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Self-actualization

Answer

Esteem

Answer

Social belonging

Question 6

Herzberg's two-factor theory distinguishes between which two types of factors that influence job satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Hygiene factors and motivators

Answer

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors

Answer

Individual and contextual factors

Answer

Cognitive and affective factors

Question 7

Expectancy theory suggests that motivation is influenced by which three factors?

Accepted Answer

Valence, instrumentality, and expectancy

Answer

Effort, performance, and reward

Answer

Goals, needs, and values

Answer

Reinforcement, punishment, and extinction

Question 8

What is the essential difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation is self-driven, while extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards

Answer

Intrinsic motivation leads to better performance, while extrinsic motivation does not

Answer

Extrinsic motivation is more effective in the long term

Answer

Intrinsic motivation is only relevant in creative fields

Question 9

According to Herzberg, which of the following is NOT a hygiene factor in the two-factor theory?

Accepted Answer

Work itself

Answer

Company policies and procedures

Answer

Status and recognition

Answer

Responsibility

Question 10

How can self-determination theory be applied to enhance employee motivation in organizations?

Accepted Answer

By providing opportunities for autonomy, competence, and relatedness

Answer

By setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback

Answer

By offering financial incentives for performance

Answer

By creating a competitive and challenging work environment

Question 11

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following is NOT included in the basic physiological needs at the bottom of the pyramid?

Accepted Answer

Love

Answer

Food

Answer

Shelter

Answer

Water

Question 12

Job enrichment is a technique that primarily aims to increase:

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic motivation

Answer

Extrinsic motivation

Answer

Job satisfaction

Answer

Employee productivity

Question 13

According to Herzberg's theory, which of the following is considered a hygiene factor?

Accepted Answer

Salary

Answer

Recognition

Answer

Meaningful work

Answer

Supervision

Question 14

In expectancy theory, valence refers to:

Accepted Answer

The perceived value of the outcome

Answer

The probability of achieving the outcome

Answer

The effort required to achieve the outcome

Answer

The satisfaction associated with the outcome

Question 15

The ultimate goal of job design is to create:

Accepted Answer

Jobs that are both motivating and satisfying for employees

Answer

Jobs that maximize efficiency and cost-effectiveness for the organization

Answer

Jobs that solely align with the strategic goals of the company

Answer

Jobs that prioritize eliminating employee turnover

Question 16

In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, what level encompasses fundamental physiological requirements necessary for survival?

Accepted Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Safety and security needs

Answer

Belongingness and love needs

Answer

Esteem needs

Question 17

According to Herzberg's two-factor theory, which factors primarily contribute to job satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Motivators

Answer

Hygiene factors

Answer

Contextual factors

Answer

Extrinsic rewards

Question 18

Herzberg identified which of the following as a hygiene factor?

Accepted Answer

Working conditions

Answer

Achievement

Answer

Recognition

Answer

Responsibility

Question 19

Which fundamental assumption underpins Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory?

Accepted Answer

Lower-level needs must be satisfied before individuals can pursue higher-level needs.

Answer

Individuals have an innate desire to continually grow and achieve self-actualization.

Answer

External rewards are the sole driving force behind motivation.

Answer

Individuals perpetually strive to maintain homeostasis.

Question 20

According to Herzberg's two-factor theory, which of the following are categorized as hygiene factors?

Accepted Answer

Working conditions

Answer

Recognition

Answer

Achievement

Answer

Responsibility

Question 21

Which component of expectancy theory focuses on the perceived relationship between effort and performance?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy

Answer

Instrumentality

Answer

Valence

Answer

Goal difficulty

Question 22

Which theory of motivation emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in shaping behavior?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Drive theory

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Answer

Goal-setting theory

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a potential negative consequence of low employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced customer satisfaction

Answer

Increased absenteeism

Answer

Reduced productivity

Answer

Increased turnover

Question 24

According to Herzberg's theory, which intervention is most likely to enhance employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

Providing recognition and praise

Answer

Improving the work environment

Answer

Setting clear goals and expectations

Answer

Increasing the pay scale

Question 25

Which theory of motivation suggests that individuals are motivated to achieve goals that are both attainable and challenging?

Accepted Answer

Goal-setting theory

Answer

Equity theory

Answer

Social cognitive theory

Answer

Attribution theory

Question 26

Which theory of motivation emphasizes the influence of social context, including group norms and expectations, on behavior?

Accepted Answer

Social cognitive theory

Answer

Self-determination theory

Answer

Equity theory

Answer

Reinforcement theory

Question 27

In practice, what is a significant limitation to consider when applying motivation theories?

Accepted Answer

Theories may not apply equally well across different industries and organizational settings.

Answer

Motivation theories can always accurately predict individual behavior.

Answer

Motivation theories can be implemented easily without considering the specific context of the organization.

Answer

Motivation theories are irrelevant to understanding employee behavior in modern workplaces.

Question 28

Which approach is ineffective in addressing low employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

Ignoring the issue and hoping it will resolve itself

Answer

Providing opportunities for professional growth and skill development

Answer

Creating a supportive and encouraging work environment

Answer

Offering regular feedback and recognizing employee achievements

Question 29

Which theory of motivation prioritizes external factors such as company policies and supervision in determining employee motivation and contentment in the workplace?

Accepted Answer

Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory

Answer

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Answer

Expectancy Theory

Answer

Equity Theory

Question 30

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which of the following is the most fundamental need?

Accepted Answer

Physiological

Answer

Love and belonging

Answer

Esteem

Answer

Self-actualization

Question 31

Which category in Herzberg's two-factor theory includes factors that contribute to job satisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Motivating factors

Answer

Hygiene factors

Answer

Extrinsic factors

Answer

Intrinsic factors

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT a criticism of Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizes the role of culture and context.

Answer

Ignores individual differences.

Answer

Based on a limited and non-diverse sample.

Answer

Assumes a fixed and unchanging order of needs.

Question 33

Herzberg's hygiene factors primarily address:

Accepted Answer

Environmental and contextual factors.

Answer

Job content and task-related factors.

Answer

Personal growth and development.

Answer

Intrinsic rewards and recognition.

Question 34

Herzberg's motivating factors are also referred to as:

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic factors

Answer

Extrinsic factors

Answer

Hygiene factors

Answer

Personal factors

Question 35

Expectancy theory predicts that individuals with high expectancies but low instrumentalities will:

Accepted Answer

Be unlikely to exert effort towards goals.

Answer

Be highly motivated to achieve goals.

Answer

Be moderately motivated to achieve goals.

Answer

Experience high levels of job satisfaction.

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy to enhance employee motivation?

Accepted Answer

Implementing a culture of micromanagement

Answer

Establishing clear goals

Answer

Offering performance-based rewards

Answer

Providing opportunities for job enrichment

Question 37

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which level focuses on the need for self-fulfillment and achieving one's potential?

Accepted Answer

Self-actualization needs

Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Safety needs

Answer

Love and belongingness needs

Question 38

Herzberg's two-factor theory categorizes job-related factors into 'hygiene factors' and 'motivational factors'. Which of the following is an example of a motivational factor?

Accepted Answer

Challenging work

Answer

Salary

Answer

Supervision

Answer

Company policies

Question 39

According to Maslow's theory, which level of needs is the most fundamental and essential for human survival?

Accepted Answer

Physiological needs

Answer

Social needs

Answer

Esteem needs

Answer

Self-actualization needs

Question 40

Herzberg's two-factor theory has been criticized for its limitations. Which of the following is a valid criticism of the theory?

Accepted Answer

It oversimplifies the complex nature of job satisfaction

Answer

It focuses primarily on intrinsic factors

Answer

It is not applicable to all types of jobs

Answer

It is difficult to measure and evaluate

Question 41

Within Herzberg's two-factor theory, which factor is associated with job dissatisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Working conditions

Answer

Recognition

Answer

Responsibility

Answer

Company policies

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a component of Herzberg's two-factor theory?

Accepted Answer

Equity

Answer

Motivators

Answer

Job satisfaction

Answer

Hygiene factors

Question 43

Expectancy theory suggests that an individual's motivation is influenced by which combination of factors?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy, instrumentality, and valence

Answer

Needs, goals, and rewards

Answer

Equity, fairness, and justice

Question 44

Which of the following is a key assumption of equity theory?

Accepted Answer

Individuals compare their inputs and outcomes to those of others.

Answer

Individuals seek to avoid negative outcomes.

Answer

Individuals are motivated to maximize their own rewards.

Question 45

According to reinforcement theory, what happens to behavior that is rewarded?

Accepted Answer

It is more likely to be repeated.

Answer

It is less likely to be repeated.

Answer

It is punished.

Answer

It has no effect on the behavior.

Question 46

Which of the following is a limitation of using MCQs to assess motivation?

Accepted Answer

MCQs may not capture the complexity and nuance of an individual's motivation.

Answer

MCQs are not reliable.

Answer

MCQs are too time-consuming to administer.

Question 47

A manager wants to use a questionnaire to measure employee motivation. Which of the following questions is most likely to provide valid data?

Accepted Answer

How satisfied are you with your work?

Answer

How many hours do you work per week?

Answer

Do you agree that your salary is fair?

Answer

What is your favorite color?

Question 48

Which of the following is an ethical consideration in conducting research on motivation?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining informed consent from participants.

Answer

Publishing results without participant approval.

Answer

Offering incentives for participation.

Answer

Using deception to elicit true responses.

Question 49

Which of the following is a best practice for designing effective motivation interventions?

Accepted Answer

Tailoring the intervention to the specific needs and characteristics of the target audience.

Answer

Focusing solely on extrinsic rewards.

Answer

Using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Question 50

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory proposes that human motivation is driven by a sequence of fundamental needs. Which of the following accurately represents the correct sequence of needs in this hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

Physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs

Answer

Safety needs, physiological needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs

Question 51

Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation differentiates between two distinct sets of factors in the workplace. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between these factors and their impact on job satisfaction and dissatisfaction?

Accepted Answer

Motivational factors primarily enhance job satisfaction, while hygiene factors primarily prevent job dissatisfaction.

Answer

Motivational factors primarily prevent job dissatisfaction, while hygiene factors primarily enhance job satisfaction.

Answer

Both motivational and hygiene factors equally contribute to job satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Question 52

Expectancy theory, developed by Victor Vroom, is a comprehensive model of motivation that emphasizes the role of cognitive processes. Which of the following components is NOT included in expectancy theory?

Accepted Answer

Equity

Answer

Instrumentality

Answer

Expectancy

Answer

Valence

Question 53

Which theory of motivation emphasizes the role of subjective perceptions and cognitive processes in shaping behavior?

Accepted Answer

Expectancy theory

Answer

Equity theory

Answer

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Answer

Herzberg's two-factor theory

Question 54

Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory has been criticized for several reasons. Which of the following is NOT a valid criticism of this theory?

Accepted Answer

It has been consistently supported by empirical research across diverse cultures.

Answer

It fails to account for individual differences and situational factors.

Answer

It overemphasizes the importance of higher-level needs.

Question 55

Herzberg's two-factor theory has faced criticism for its limitations. Which of the following is a valid criticism of this theory?

Accepted Answer

It is overly simplistic and does not fully capture the complexity of motivation.

Answer

It is too complex and difficult to apply in practice.

Answer

It lacks empirical support.

Question 56

Motivation theories have practical applications in various organizational settings. Which of the following is a concrete example of how motivation theories can be applied in practice?

Accepted Answer

Designing performance management systems that align with motivational principles.

Answer

Identifying the causes of workplace accidents.

Answer

Predicting employee turnover rates.

Question 57

To enhance employee motivation in the workplace, which of the following strategies is most consistent with the principles of expectancy theory?

Accepted Answer

Providing clear performance goals and feedback that communicates the link between effort and performance outcomes.

Answer

Creating a competitive work environment that fosters a sense of urgency.

Answer

Offering financial incentives for high performance without considering individual goals and expectations.