Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and Content Theory
             Motivation can be defined as "intensity at a task". The greater the motivation, the more persistent and intense one will learn and perform a certain task. The basis behind the theory of motivation is the knowledge that all behavior is goal driven. Involving motivation is content theory, which deals with basic human needs. Motivational theories have evolved from the idea of content theory and how it relates to motivation. Motivation directly involves choices people make regarding what they will or will not do and how intense an effort they will put forth. The goal of motivational theory is to better understand the influences of such choices and how to use and direct them to make a task more interesting and therefore more desirable. One individual, Abraham Maslow, provides a hierarchy of needs of people. He felt that in order for people to be content with themselves and their surroundings, they must have five specific needs met in some form. In conjunction with his five specific needs, he also devised six specific ideas, or ways, to meet those needs of employees, keeping them happy, healthy, and efficient in the workplace.
             Motivation instructional theory identifies four major dimensions of motivation: interest, relevance, expectancy, and satisfaction. Interest refers to whether a learner's curiosity is stimulated and if that is sustained over a period of time. Relevance is the perception of the learner, specifically if the instruction satisfies personal needs or goals. Expectancy describes the individual's perceived likelihood of success and how much they fell they are in control of that success. Finally, satisfaction deals with intrinsic motivations and reactions to extrinsic rewards.
             Like other researched instructional theories dealing with the human environment, stimulation, and resulting affects, the roots of motivational theory can be found in psyc...