Food-deprived rats will learn a new response if given non-nutritive, saccharine-sweetened water as a reward. Thus, the sweet-tasting water is motivating even though no actual hunger reduction takes place. For which of the following theories of motivation is this evidence problematic?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This evidence is problematic for drive theory, as it suggests that motivation can occur without a reduction in physiological need. Drive theory proposes that motivation stems from a need or drive, such as hunger or thirst, and that behavior is aimed at reducing that drive. However, in this case, the rats are motivated to learn a new behavior (responding to the sweet-tasting water) even though they are food-deprived and the water does not actually reduce their hunger drive.

Food-Deprived Rats Will Learn a New Response If Given Non-Nutritive