Patrick ate a large breakfast. When he arrived for his 8:00 a.m. class the student next to him offered Patrick a large raisin muffin. Even though Patrick was still quite full from breakfast, he ate the muffin that he was offered. In this instance, Patrick's behavior can best be explained using
A) drive theories of motivation.
B) instinctive theories of motivation.
C) incentive theories of motivation.
D) the self-awareness theory of motivation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patrick's behavior of eating the muffin can be explained by the incentive theory of motivation, where external factors, such as the offer of a muffin, can influence behavior. Despite not being hungry, the incentive of being offered the muffin may have motivated him to eat it.

Patrick Ate a Large Breakfast